Cause of coli bacteria in drinking water unclear

Still no cause for Colibakterien in the drinking water of Erfurt found

07/13/2012

Following the discovery of coliform bacteria in drinking water in the Erfurt area last Monday, the cause of the contamination of the water remains unclear. A recommendation made by the authorities on Thursday evening to boil the water was extended.

Intestinal bacteria exclusively in Greater Erfurt
According to data from the Thuringian long-distance water supply, the long-distance water network is being re-examined for possible sources of coliform bacteria. However, no intestinal germs have been detected so far. The contaminated water is limited exclusively to the Erfurt area.

Last Monday, coli bacteria were detected as part of routine controls in the tap water of Erfurt and some communities in the districts Sömmerda and Gotha. The provider ThüringenWasser (ThüWa) then issued a warning to the population. For example, tap water used for consumption should first be boiled for at least five minutes. While showering and washing with the contaminated water is not a problem, mineral water should be used to brush your teeth. The Abkochgebot should originally end on Thursday at 18 clock. Since the source of coliform bacteria is still unclear, the recommendation continues to apply to around 280,000 consumers.

Is a measurement error cause of the finding for coli bacteria?
As part of the discussion on the cause of the Colibakterien findings now came the question of whether it might have been a measurement error in the Luisenthaler laboratory. Sandra Kühn, spokeswoman for the Thüringer Fernwasserversorgung, did not comment on this suspicion. However, a recent meeting had decided to have the water samples independently examined by two different laboratories in the future. Currently, about 60 out of about 200 sites are sampled more frequently than normal. The spokeswoman emphasized that, in addition to many unencumbered samples, there were still a few samples containing coliform bacteria. „For us, there are a lot of laboratories on the way, "said Kühn." Samples of the raw water from the Ohra dam have recently revealed that there were no coliform bacteria in the water.

The Institute for Water and Environmental Analysis in Luisenthal rejected all allegations regarding a measuring error. „We categorically rule out a mistake, "said managing director Wolfgang Möller, who himself reported last Friday the findings with the coli bacteria, but the suppliers only responded on Monday by initiating appropriate measures, saying that the authorities would have their own controls as early as Tuesday began. „The officials probably do not work on the weekend, "criticized Möller.

Compensation claims for lost sales
Dirk Ellinger, Managing Director of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga), is currently considering claiming damages for his members. „We will legally examine the extent of the claim for damages, "he said, adding that drinking water with coliform bacteria would have resulted in significant overspending and lost revenue for restaurants and hotels.

So far there has been no increase in diarrheal diseases caused by the intestinal bacteria in Thuringia. „We have no more cases than normal, "said a spokesman for the Ministry of Health.

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Image: Dieter Schütz