Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With American Samoa under Code Red threat level, the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) says that it has suspended routine sampling of recreational beaches. It says that weekly beach advisories will not be issued until further notice and AS-EPA will notify the public once sampling of recreational beaches resumes.

However, AS-EPA will continue to provide regulatory monitoring of the American Samoa Power Authority’s public water system and water vending machines across the territory. “Drinking water monitoring is essential to ensure potable water for public consumption,” said AS-EPA executive director, Fa’amao O. Asalele Jr.