- SPECIAL BULLETIN -

GWA UPDATES:

The Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) reports that as of 10 a.m., 91 of 98 wells are online, with 53 wells on standby power generation and 38 wells on the island-wide power system. GWA is aware of multiple reports of low to no water pressure affecting parts of Barrigada, Chalan Pago-Ordot, Dededo, Mangilao, Yigo and Yona. 

Residents are reminded that even as pressure is restored, outages and instances of low to no pressure may still occur as system adjustments are still being performed to respond to the power system. The Guam Power Authority (GPA) continues working closely with GWA to restore power to wells impacted by the storm. As more of the island-wide power system is restored, more wells will be placed back online. Residents are reminded: 

• Electrical trips at well sites are to be expected during restorative efforts as electrical components are designed to protect themselves and prevent fire or damage. Electrical components in pump and motor assemblies in our wells are sensitive to variances in electrical current

• As wells begin to come back online, pressure still needs to build up in the distribution system for full restoration and supply tanks and reservoirs

• Fuel delivery to wells operating on standby generators is ongoing.

• Customer demand during peak hours will affect the rate at which pressure can build to acceptable service levels

 

Late yesterday afternoon, water booster pumps in Talo’fo’fo were placed back online. Residents in affected parts of the island began to report a return in some pressure. The Ugum Surface Water Treatment Plant (USWTP) remains online and is producing water on standby power generation. USWTP personnel are performing periodic maintenance to limit silt and debris from entering the river pumps. Periodic maintenance will require the plant to be placed offline temporarily.

 

PRACTICE WATER CONSERVATION

In accordance with 28 GAR §2103(i): Whenever, in the opinion of GWA and in the interest of the public, special conservation measures are advisable in order to forestall water shortage and a consequent emergency, GWA may restrict the use of water by any reasonable method of control.

GWA inspectors are visiting car wash facilities and operations to seek compliance with special water conservation measures. GWA has received voluntary compliance from car wash facilities, car detailing shops, car rental companies and car dealerships across the island who have ceased car washing activities. As GWA personnel work to restore reservoir levels and system pressure, the community is advised to practice strict water conservation during recovery efforts. Refrain from washing vehicles and pressure washing or flushing driveways and sidewalks and limit water use in the kitchen and bathroom. Non-essential water usage may place unnecessary stress on pressure within the water distribution system. 

Additionally, there may be an increased risk of backups and sewer overflows as wastewater pump and plant operations have been affected by the storm – reducing proper collection of wastewater from customers connected to GWA’s sewer.

 

PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER NOTICE STILL IN EFFECT FOR SOME RESIDENTS

Results from 99 samples collected throughout the water distribution system from April 15 – 16, 2026 have returned NEGATIVE results for bacterial contamination. Sample collection was performed in parts of Agana Heights, Assan-Ma’ina, Barrigada, Barrigada Heights, Dededo, Hagåt, Hagåtña, Harmon, Inalåhan, Mangilao, Malesso’, Malojloj, Nimitz Hill, Piti, Sånta Rita-Sumai, Talo’fo’fo, Tamuning, Tumon, Yona, and Yigo.

GWA’s Utility Compliance Laboratory will sample more of the system as water continues to be restored throughout the island. Results will be reported once analysis is complete. The precautionary boil water notice (PBWN) issued by GWA on April 16 as announced in JIC RELEASE No. 33 remains in effect for some residents:

The PBWN does not apply to customers who did not experience any loss in water service. This PBWN is issued as a result of a sustained loss of pressure in parts of the island’s distribution system as a result of Super Typhoon Sinlaku. A sustained loss in pressure within the distribution system may result in potential, but unconfirmed bacterial contamination in your drinking water.

Customers who experienced a loss in water service for 48 hours or less may wish to take precaution and are advised of the following:

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.

• Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for three (3) minutes, and let it cool before using.

• Boiled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice.

• Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

For customers who experienced a loss in water service for 48 hours or more, it is MANDATORY to boil your water and:

• DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.

• Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for three (3) minutes, and let it cool before using.

• Boiled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice.

• Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

 

Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source, if there is a loss of line pressure to less than 5psi, prolonged, sustained loss of water service, or failure in the water treatment process.

 

WATER TANKERS & FLEXTANKS

Tankers and flextanks have been staged in different parts of the island. Residents haul water from the following sites: Astumbo Senior Center, Barrigada Mayor’s Office, Chalan La Chance in Yigo, Dededo Mayor’s Office, Dero Road in Ordot, Jesus G. Cruz Street in Barrigada Heights, Gill Breeze in Yigo, Harmon Sports Complex, Kalen Mamalai Piga in Dededo, Mangilao Church, Maina Church, the Yigo gym and Mount Santa Rosa in Yigo. Residents are advised to bring their own containers to store and haul water from the flextanker and tanker sites 

Residents are advised that tankers and flextanks may periodically be removed from staging areas for maintenance, refilling or reassignment. GWA continues to support critical care facilities as a priority and is currently ensuring water delivery service to dialysis centers and health centers experiencing water outages.

 

GPA Update:

The Guam Power Authority (GPA) provides the following restoration progress to the Island-Wide Power System (IWPS) as of 9:00 a.m., Sunday, April 19, 2026:

   

 

Feeders/Circuits: A total of 54 feeders/circuits are energized today of the 63 distribution feeders/circuits.

Substations: A total of 29 critical substations energized of the 29 total major GPA substations.

 

TODAY’S KEY OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:

• All substations throughout the island, including down south, are now energized.

• Crews are now concentrating on restoring distribution feeders/circuits.

• During this stage of recovery, some energized feeders may still leave pockets of isolated customers with extensive damages. GPA will return to restore service to those remaining customers immediately after all other feeders without faults are restored.

• Repair and restore isolated pockets, including transformer replacements, service lines, meters, and other necessary components.

• Continue working on urgent needs across the island.

 

FOR CUSTOMERS WHO REMAIN WITHOUT POWER:

• Customers may be on feeders that have not yet been energized.

• In some areas, power may be restored to main lines while additional repairs are still needed on transformers, service lines, or customer connections.

• Customers may also be experiencing isolated damage that requires crews to return after main circuits are restored.

• If surrounding areas have power, customers may be part of a smaller outage pocket.

• Customers are asked to limit calls to the GPA Dispatch Center (PSCC) to critical issues such as downed power lines, blown transformers, low voltage conditions, or other situations that may present a safety concern.

 

GENERAL NOTIFICATIONS:

• Individuals with medical needs: Those requiring electrically powered life-support or oxygen tanks or similar devices should arrange to stay at an alternate location where electricity is available, such as a hospital or with family or friends who have power restored. Be prepared to bring your oxygen supplies, medical equipment, and medications with you.

• Personal use of generators: GPA asks that you ensure your main breakers are opened (off position) when operating your generator. This is for the safety of the crews and your equipment.

• Carbon monoxide safety hazard: It is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death. The risk increases during outages when generators or fuel-powered equipment are used improperly. Never use generators, grills, or portable stoves indoors. Keep equipment away from doors, windows, and vents, and never run vehicles inside garages. If you feel dizzy, nauseated, or lightheaded, move to fresh air immediately. If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, call emergency services immediately.

• Voltage fluctuations during restoration: As power is restored, some customers may experience temporary voltage fluctuations such as flickering lights, dimming, or partial power. Customers are advised to shut off their main breaker and report the issue to GPA.

• Please stay away from all down lines and equipment as they may still be energized and can cause harm if you come in contact with the lines or equipment. Consider such situations as dangerous and life threatening. To report downed power lines, contact GPA Trouble Dispatch at (671) 475-1472/1473/1474. Customers may also email customersfirst@gpagwa.com or send a direct message on GPA’s Facebook or Instagram page. Please provide the exact location or address, contact information and condition of location when submitting your report.

• GPA understands that residents are eager to have service fully restored and thanks the community for the outpouring of support shown to crews working in villages across the island. Residents are asked to allow crews to work unimpeded. While crews understand the urgency and concerns, stopping them to ask about restoration timelines delays progress and creates safety risks. Allowing crews to continue their work and focus on their tasks at hand while concentrating on repairs will help ensure power is restored as quickly and safely as possible.

• GPA will continue providing updates as restoration efforts progress.

 

To get the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at www.guampowerauthority.com and click on our Post-Typhoon Sinlaku Restoration Updates banner on our homepage or follow our official social media pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuamPowerAuthority Instagram: https://instagram.com/guampowerauthority

 

GFD GENERATOR SAFETY:

As our community begins recovery efforts, please use generators safely to prevent fires, injuries, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The Guam Fire Department (GFD) provides the following safety tips:

• ⁠Keep generators outdoors only – at least 20 feet away from homes, doors, and windows. Never operate inside garages, even if doors are open.

• ⁠Watch for carbon monoxide (CO) – this gas is odorless and deadly. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or weak, get fresh air immediately and call 911.

• ⁠Allow generators to cool before refueling – never add fuel while the unit is running or hot.

• ⁠Store fuel safely – use approved containers and keep away from heat sources or open flames.

• ⁠Use proper extension cords – heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords free of damage.

• ⁠Do not overload the generator – follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent overheating and fire hazards.

• ⁠Keep dry and elevated – protect generators from rain and standing water to avoid electrical shock.

• ⁠Install battery-operated CO alarms in your home if available.

• ⁠Turn off and let cool before shutting down for the day

 

Remember, improper generator use can lead to serious injury or death. Please prioritize safety while restoring power.

For the latest updates from the Joint Information Center, visit https://ghs.guam.gov/.