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Shock in Chemnitz and Zwickau: Bacteria discovered in drinking water!
Drinking water was contaminated in Zwickau and Chemnitz. Experts are investigating the cause and recommend decoctions for risk groups.
Shock in Chemnitz and Zwickau: Bacteria discovered in drinking water!
In the cities of Chemnitz and Zwickau, drinking water has been contaminated with environmental germs, which is causing concern. As MDR reports, experts have already begun to investigate the causes of the bacteria in the water. Preliminary disinfection measures have been initiated, both in Chemnitz and Zwickau. The water suppliers increase the chlorine content of the drinking water to kill the germs.
For groups at risk, especially people with immunodeficiency, the health authorities recommend not drinking tap water in Chemnitz and Zwickau until further notice or boiling it as a precaution. This precautionary measure will remain in force until the situation is clarified and water quality is fully assured.
Current situation in Chemnitz and Zwickau
In Chemnitz, bacteria could no longer be detected in the drinking water on Sunday, which is a positive development. However, the health service remains cautious and recommends continuing to boil water for certain population groups. In Zwickau, however, chlorination is continuing because complete proof of germs cannot yet be guaranteed. This has been happening for almost three weeks to ensure that the pipe network is free of germs. Although the increased chlorination affects the taste of the water, it is not a health risk.
The contamination was discovered during routine inspections in June. Experts from the Umweltbundesamt suspect that problems with water treatment or the penetration of microorganisms into the distribution network could be the cause. This could mainly be due to construction and repair work. According to the strict microbiological requirements for monitoring drinking water quality, no pathogens that pose a health risk must be present in the water.
Responsibility of water suppliers
The responsibility for drinking water monitoring lies with the water suppliers. As part of regular checks, tests are carried out for indicator organisms such as Escherichia coli. A negative result for Escherichia coli in 100 milliliters of water is a sign that no dangerous microorganisms are present at levels of concern. Such tests are an essential measure to ensure drinking water safety.
In addition, the Federal Environment Agency deals with the development and definition of criteria for investigation 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 the event of malfunctions or frequent illnesses.
Although there is currently no danger to the population in either city, this situation has put many 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 rely on their tap water again without worry.