Is Chalan Lau Lau, MP Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48.3/100
waterverge.com Chalan Lau Lau, MP — Water Quality Report
Chalan Lau Lau's drinking water received a grade of D (48.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,622 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 14.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 91 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chalan Lau Lau's water
Chalan Lau Lau ranks #6 out of 7 cities in Northern Mariana Islands for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Chalan Lau Lau relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Chalan Lau Lau may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chalan Lau Lau, MP water safe to drink?
Chalan Lau Lau's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,622 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chalan Lau Lau
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chalan Lau Lau's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.3/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chalan Lau Lau's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Chalan Lau Lau's water system has 91 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Chalan Lau Lau's water come from?
Chalan Lau Lau's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,622 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Chalan Lau Lau residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chalan Lau Lau's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Chalan Lau Lau's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 14.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chalan Lau Lau compares by contaminant
Explore where Chalan Lau Lau ranks among all Northern Mariana Islands cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chalan Lau Lau's water comes from
Chalan Lau Lau's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,622 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Chalan Lau Lau
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Water | MP0000160 | 1,522 | GW |
| Saipan Vegas | MP0000030 | 100 | GW |
How Chalan Lau Lau compares
Full Northern Mariana Islands rankings →Chalan Lau Lau's score of 48.3/100 is below the average of 60/100 among major Northern Mariana Islands cities. It outscores 1 of 6 nearby cities. 5 of 6 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Northern Mariana Islands rankings →About Chalan Lau Lau, MP
Wikipedia →Saipan is the largest island and capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States in the western Pacific Ocean. According to 2020 estimates by the United States Census Bureau, the population of Saipan was 43,385. Its people have been United States citizens since the 1980s. Saipan is one of the main homes of the Chamorro and the Carolinian, the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chalan Lau Lau's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chalan Lau Lau, MP tap water safe to drink?
Chalan Lau Lau's water quality earned a grade of D (48.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #6 out of 7 cities tested in Northern Mariana Islands.
What contaminants are in Chalan Lau Lau's water?
Lead was measured at 14.8 ppb (90th percentile). 91 violations are on record.
How is Chalan Lau Lau's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Chalan Lau Lau?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chalan Lau Lau's water come from?
Chalan Lau Lau's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,622 residents.
What health violations has Chalan Lau Lau's water system had?
Chalan Lau Lau has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chalan Lau Lau's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chalan Lau Lau uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 91 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Chalan Lau Lau's water compare to other cities?
Chalan Lau Lau ranks #6 out of 7 cities in Northern Mariana Islands (better than 14% of state cities) and #13464 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.