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Wasserhan: Tap water currently has to be boiled in many places due to contamination in the district of Lippe
Photo: Petra Schneider / IMAGO
In the North Rhine-Westphalian district of Lippe, the warning apps "Katwarn" and "NINA" sounded the alarm on Monday evening. The reason: In several districts of Bad Salzuflen, drinking water is currently contaminated by bacteria.
The fire brigade warns against drinking tap water, a boil-off order applies until further notice. Brushing your teeth should only be done with boiled or bottled water, it said. More than 20,000 citizens are affected.
As the municipal utilities announced, the heavy rain in the past few days is to blame for the pollution. Through this, bacteria that are hazardous to health have entered the drinking water supply. The districts of Grastrup-Hölsen, Retzen, Holzhausen, Wülfer-Bexten, Knetterheide, Werl-Aspe, Ehrsen-Breden and Schötmar are affected, it is said.
The municipal utilities provided the following information on the use of tap water:
Only packaged or boiled water can be used for drinking, brushing teeth and preparing food.
Tap water is still suitable for hand washing, showering and bathing – but swallowing should be avoided, as is contact with open wounds.
During the period of the decoction requirement, it is possible to use coffee machines if heating to at least 82 degrees is guaranteed.
For the production of cold drinks and ice cubes, boiled water must be used for the duration of the restriction of use.
For washing clothes, the water can be used, the washing temperature should be at least 40 degrees.
Dishes from the dishwasher are harmless, provided that the appliance rinses and dries at temperatures above 60 degrees.
By order of the health department, the tap water in the district of Lippe will now be treated with chlorine for the time being, it is said. This could lead to changes in smell or taste.
ZOB