Microbial contamination detected in drinking water

Microbial contamination in drinking water: Two localities affected

In studies of drinking water in two Hessian localities coli bacteria have been detected. Both in Niedergude and in Hergershausen the drinking water contained too high a concentration of coliform germs. Water that is used to drink, cook or prepare food and drinks should therefore be boiled for at least 10 minutes, warns the health department.

Water supply company responsible for the hygienic condition
According to drinking water regulations (TrinkwV) the water supply companies are responsible for ensuring a perfect hygienic condition of the drinking water at the handover to the customer. Regular checks at different measuring points should serve to ensure that the hygienic regulations are adhered to. In such a check in the supply area of ​​the high tank Hänspalt in the network Niedergude and Hergershausen was detected too high a burden of coli bacteria. The health department of the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district then ordered an immediate disinfection of the drinking water in Obergude, Niedergude, Erdpenhausen and Hergershausen.

With chlorine against germs
With the help of chlorine, the excessively high bacterial contamination of the water in the villages of the municipality of Alheim should be reduced to the normal level. Up to a residual content of a maximum of 0.1 mg / l free chlorine, the concentration in the drinking water is to be increased when it is fed into the grid, which, according to the municipality, is within the limits set by the Drinking Water Ordinance. The authorities emphasize that the chlorine-added water is in no way harmful to health but may have a stronger chlorine odor. However, in order to avoid any health risks, the municipality still asks them to boil water for drinking, cooking or preparing food and drink in the future for 10 minutes as a precautionary measure. For body care and toilet flushing, it can continue to be used without hesitation. Caution should be exercised with aquariums and the more chlorinated water should not be used if possible. The tap water is first mixed with chlorine for several days, whereby the municipality Alheim announced to inform immediately about all further measures as well as the completion of the disinfection measure of the drinking water. (fp, 06.10.2010)

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