The enterococcal bacteria naturally occur in the intestines of humans, a Vitens spokesperson explains. Healthy people should not be bothered by the presence of the bacteria in drinking water, but in some cases ingesting contaminated water can cause stomach and intestinal complaints.
Ambitious project involving helicopters to safeguard our supply of fresh water
Vitens calls for “leaving bottled water in stores as much as possible for people who have no option to boil water.” In this way, sufficient water remains available “for those who really need it.”
In a message to the affected residents, Vitens stated that they are working hard to find a solution to the drinking water problem. The water company continues to continuously test the drinking water, but cannot yet indicate how long the boil advice will remain in effect. Residents will be notified as soon as the water is safe to drink directly from the tap again, no later than Tuesday, November 4.
People queuing for bottled water
A quick tour shows that sales of packaged and bottled water are booming at various supermarket branches in and around Utrecht.
There is also a run on bottled water in the Lombok district of Utrecht. © De Telegraaf
Water is a popular product in an Albert Heijn branch on Twijnstraat in Utrecht, a reporter sees. Before opening time on Saturday morning, about ten people stood in line in front of the door to stock up on water as quickly as possible.
An employee of the supermarket branch confirms that water sales are going fast: “Fifteen minutes after opening time we only had small bottles of water for sale.” She expects the water to sell out and says that the branch will not receive new water until Monday afternoon if no additional orders are placed.
Albert Heijn is “doing everything it can” to have newly packaged water and water bottles on the shelves of branches in and around Utrecht as soon as possible. A spokesperson for the supermarket chain said this.
Sales of packaged and bottled water are booming at various supermarket branches in and around Utrecht. © De Telegraaf
‘Let’s keep the peace’
“Let’s keep the peace,” says a spokesperson. Albert Heijn says it has a lot of stock. It is annoying for customers who have just arrived in the store when the shelf is empty, because it takes a while before it is replenished, the spokesperson explains. Purchasing a lot of water is, according to him, “not necessary.”
It also calls on residents to leave bottled water in stores as much as possible for people who have no option to boil water. “The water is really clean after three minutes of boiling,” Vitens emphasizes in the letter.
‘Vulnerable people must be extra vigilant’
The spokesperson advises vulnerable people to be careful and to boil the drinking water thoroughly. “The cooking advice applies to everyone, but pregnant women, the elderly, children and people with an underlying condition must be extra vigilant and, if in doubt, consult their GP or GGD.”
The water reservoir where the bacteria was found is now no longer used. The drinking water company lifts the boiling advice when it has two consecutive clean sample results. “Unfortunately, we cannot say in advance how long this will take.” Vitens will provide new information about the cooking advice by Tuesday, November 4 at the latest.