MoH warning on safety of drinking water

drinking waterThe Ministry of Health (MoH) wishes to inform the general public that as a result of the flooding which formed part of Tropical Storm Erika many communities have been left without pipe-borne water; residents have reverted to the use of rivers, streams and springs.

The public is informed that these sources of water are not safe for drinking and should refrain doing so without treating it.as this practice has can contribute to ill health especially among the most vulnerable groups such as elderly and children .

The public is advised on the following ways that water can be made safe for drinking if you don’t have safe bottled water.

1. Boiling
Boil water to make it safe. Boiling is the surest method to make water safer to drink by killing disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
if the water is cloudy, filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, OR allow it to settle

After it has started to bubble allow to boil for three minutes.

Let the boiled water cool.

Store the boiled water in clean containers with tight covers.

You can improve the flat taste of boiled water by pouring it from one container to another and then allowing it to stand for a few hours, OR by adding a pinch of salt for each quart or litre of boiled water

2.Disinfecting
Water can also be made safe to drink by using a disinfectant, such as unscented household chlorine bleach.

Filter water through a clean cloth, paper towel, OR allow it to settle

Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of unscented liquid household chlorine (5–6%) bleach for each gallon of clear water

Stir the mixture wellLet stand for 30 minutes or longer before you use it.

Store the disinfected water in clean, containers with tight cover

Remember your health is your responsibility and you need to take all necessary precautions to remain healthy during this recovery time

If you feel well unwell please don’t hesitate to contact your local health provider or call the Health Promotion Unit at 2663470 or the Environment Health Department at 2663468

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7 Comments

  1. paul
    February 20, 2016

    Help needed ,we need to fine how far the main water pipe is from Dublanc village and what colour the pipe is and all fittings as we just got a plot of land thank you Paul in London

  2. gwada
    September 12, 2015

    Stupesssss

  3. gwada
    September 12, 2015

    U mean to tell me all those associations of different islands sending water and many other iteams and still people are complaining they have nt gotten any i would like to know where the stocks are.tres fache.

  4. Outsider looking in
    September 11, 2015

    To fix some of these water situations that everytime it rains heavy the water supply is turned off or either there’s dirty water… When will someone with some type of commonsense in charge bring up the idea to build a water tower…..All it takes is to think on the brighter side other than its been that way and that’s how it will stay…Yah

  5. a
    September 11, 2015

    better late than never i suppose

  6. water
    September 11, 2015

    I believe that more than enough supply of water is coming into the country to distribute to all villages so can the persons in charge, please look into this matter. We keep hearing warning of the danger of drinking pipe water and yes we can boil the water but as I said and as we all are aware, enough water is coming in to the country and no it was not sent for a particular persons, village or town. It was sent for Dominicans. As much as I agree that priority should be given to the areas that were most affected, I think we are a point where the rest of the country should be given some attention especially where water is concern. Share the water!

  7. Tout Twele
    September 11, 2015

    Why is it Roseau and environs have no water to flush the toilet> DOWASCO do something or say something!!!! 2 days and counting!!!!!

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