Why is there a boiling advice?  

During a drinking water inspection, a slight contamination with the enterococci bacteria was found. Therefore, water company Vitens advises boiling the water for 3 minutes. This eliminates possible health risks. We are still investigating how the contamination occurred. 

What does a boiling advice mean?  

Vitens advises residents to boil the water for 3 minutes before they:  

  • Drink it.
  • Use it to prepare food or drinks, such as coffee, tea, lemonade, or washing vegetables.
  • Brush their teeth. 

It is not necessary to buy bottled water 

Once the water has been boiled for 3 minutes, it is safe to drink. Residents can continue to shower and wash their hands with tap water. Also, the water used by customers in this area to cook food does not need to be boiled for 3 minutes beforehand.  

See the Vitens website(link is external) for tips and more information. 

How long does the boiling advice last? 

It is not known how long the boiling advice will last. It will last at least until December 31. When boiling water is no longer necessary, Vitens will inform our customers. They will send an update on Wednesday, December 31 at the latest. Vitens is doing everything possible to keep this period as short as possible. 

Vitens has isolated the area where the bacteria were found and will flush the pipeline network. Meanwhile, they are investigating the cause and ensuring that water continues to flow from the tap for all customers in this region.  

How does Vitens inform residents?  

Vitens has sent an email and SMS to the people affected by the boiling advice. Since they do not have contact details for all customers, Vitens asks people to inform each other about the boiling advice. Knock on neighbors doors or share the message in neighborhood apps or Facebook groups. 

This boiling advice is very inconvenient, but safe and reliable drinking water is paramount. Water company Vitens takes no risks with public health and issues a boiling advice even in case of slight contamination. They are doing their utmost to solve the problem as quickly as possible. 

More information?  

Visit the Vitens website(link is external) for tips and more information.