The contamination of Klagenfurt’s drinking water by enterococci, which can mainly cause urinary tract infections, is still causing uncertainty among residents and commuters. The city is trying to solve the problem as quickly as possible and your “crown” will keep you informed!
The search for contamination in Klagenfurt’s drinking water network is more complicated than expected. “A recent sampling of the drinking water showed that the city’s wells and elevated tanks are clean. However, the pipe network still shows contamination by the bacteria,” explains city manager Erwin Smole.
Advanced search for causes
This means that the entire pipe network of the city now has to be searched. And this is like looking for a needle in a haystack. The employees of Klagenfurt Stadtwerke now have to check all construction sites and private well systems. We are also looking for possible leaks that may have led to contamination.
Smole: “At the same time, we will also start flushing the entire network to remove the bacteria from the pipes.” For this purpose, hydrants were opened at the canal on Monday afternoon so that the water can flow away.
Taking samples again should then provide clarity. However, the evaluation takes 48 hours and the population must still boil their drinking water. “The recommendation is to boil the water in a pan for at least three minutes. Washing hands, brushing teeth, showering or bathing with tap water is still safe,” explains Nadja Ladurner from the Klagenfurt health authority.
In addition to the urban area of Klagenfurt, the municipality of Magdalensberg is also partially affected. Smole: “In consultation with the authorities, individual parts of the city could soon be reopened.”
Free water supply for citizens
Because there were short-term bottlenecks in the mineral water in some supermarkets, the city of Klagenfurt also responded. The free water supply was extended and even expanded. Since Monday, bottles of mineral water have also been available in the exhibition center. “People who are not mobile can also contact the Social Affairs Department (0463/537 3755, note) and will be cared for,” says Mayor Christian Scheider.
Kindergartens, schools and retirement homes are also being supplied with water. Depending on the requirements, the campaign can be extended again at short notice. Mayor Scheider: “We are doing everything we can to help the population get better in the coming days. No one in Klagenfurt needs to be without drinking water. We hope to be able to give the final decision soon.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
