Flooding in Lower Austria is decreasing – after flooding, there is now a risk of drinking water shortage

The damage is enormous and the reconstruction of the country will cost a lot of effort, time and money. After the devastating rains, not only houses, roads and money have been destroyed. In some communities, the quality of drinking water has also been affected. Recently, an alarm was sounded in Stockerau and the surrounding area: “We request that you only use boiled tap water (boiled for three minutes) or bottled water until further notice,” it says.

Concerns about oil tanks and insecticides
In Tullnerfeld, there is concern that pesticides from farmers around Judenau and oil from broken tanks – such as at the power plant in Dürnrohr – could end up in the water. This is currently being carefully investigated. Overall, there is great concern. “In the event of flooding, there is a risk of epidemics, especially due to the easier transmission of pathogens via drinking water. Therefore, on the one hand, the findings of the drinking water supply systems are continuously monitored and, on the other hand, additional disinfection measures and inspections of the protected areas are carried out to ensure the supply of clean drinking water,” explains State. Health Council member Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig.

The smell of chlorine is not a cause for concern
Even in Tulln-Stadt, which was largely spared from the flooding, the pipes had to be chlorinated. Warning to all hikers: “Dead wild animals in floodplain forests and fields must not be touched under any circumstances,” the State Health Council said. It said hunters should be informed immediately, especially if larger animals are involved.