Shock in Chemnitz and Zwickau: Bacteria discovered in drinking water!

Shock in Chemnitz and Zwickau: Bacteria discovered in drinking water!

In the cities of Chemnitz and Zwickau, the intendedness of the drinking water with environmental germs occurred, which causes concern. As reported MDR, experts have already started to examine the causes of the bacteria in the water. Preliminary measures for disinfection have been initiated, both in Chemnitz and in Zwickau. Here, the water suppliers increase the chlorine content of the drinking water to kill the germs.

For endangered groups, especially people with immune deficiency, the health authorities recommend that the tap water in Chemnitz and Zwickau are not drinking until further notice or to boil it off as a precaution. This precaution remains in force until the situation and the complete ensuring of water quality.

Current situation in Chemnitz and Zwickau

In Chemnitz, no bacteria could be detected in drinking water on Sunday, which is a positive development. Nevertheless, the health service remains careful and recommends that the water continue to boil for certain population groups. In Zwickau, on the other hand, chlorination continues, since no complete evidence of germ can be guaranteed. This has been done for almost three weeks to ensure that the line network becomes germ -free. Although the increased chlorination affects the taste of the water, but it is not very worrying.

The contaminants were discovered in June during routine controls. Experts from the Federal Environment Agency suspect that problems with water treatment or the penetration of microorganisms into the distribution network could be the cause. This could be due to construction and repair work. According to the strict microbiological requirements for monitoring drinking water quality, no health pathogens may be in the water.

Responsibility of the water suppliers

Responsibility for drinking water monitoring lies with the water suppliers. As part of regular controls, indicator organisms such as Escherichia coli are tested. A negative result for Escherichia coli in 100 milliliters of water is a sign that there are no dangerous microorganisms in questionable concentrations. Such tests are an essential measure to ensure drinking water security.

In addition, the Federal Environment Agency deals with the development and determination of criteria for examination procedures and also advises international bodies such as the WHO on new legal requirements. This task is particularly important in order to be able to intervene quickly and precisely in accidents or in the event of diseases that occur frequently.

Although there is currently no danger to the population in both cities, this situation has made numerous people in Chemnitz and Zwickau on alert. The local authorities are working intensively to stabilize the water quality as quickly as possible so that all citizens can soon trust their tap water again.