The American Samoa Power Authority is drilling five new wells on the eastside of Tutuila Island to replace high chloride wells causing the “salty” taste in the water in this area.
This has been one of the complaints from residents of the eastern end of Tutuila and was recently raised in the House by first term lawmaker, Rep Tupua Shaun Va’a.
A press release from ASPA says chloride occurs naturally in groundwater sources.
Elevated levels of chloride in a groundwater system can be attributed to various factors that include salt water intrusion due to a wells proximity to the ocean and natural underground salt deposits.
ASPA has spent over $1 million thus far to address this problem and will spend an additional $2.5 million to fully resolve it.
New wells are being drilled in Pago Pago, Aua, Lauli’i, Alega, and Tula this year to replace high chloride wells.
Additional wells will target mountain front recharge and deeper freshwater aquifers that are less susceptible to saline intrusion.
ASPA is also conducting a study to determine the feasibility of implementing other alternatives to combat this issue like reverse osmosis or distillation, which would be built in case the new wells are unable to reduce chlorides to an acceptable level.
The new reverse osmosis system in Aunuu, which was commissioned in October 2016, has successfully reduced chloride levels for residents of that island.
ASPA says it remains committed to have this high chloride issue resolved within the next two years, and thanks customers for their patience and understanding.
