Knokke-Heist (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): AGSO detected bacteria in Duinbergen and Heist tap water, issuing boil advisory. Despite recent tests showing water is bacteria-free advisory remains until extensive monitoring confirms consistent safety.
Last Saturday on 17th August AGSO, the drinking water company in Knokke-Heist, found a small amount of bacteria in the tap water in Duinbergen and Heist. Because of this, they warned residents to be careful. They advised people to boil their tap water for 5 to 10 minutes before drinking it or using it for cooking. Boiling the water will help kill any bacteria making sure it’s safe to use. This action was taken as a safety measure to protect public health even though the amount of bacteria found was very low. AGSO likely continued to keep a close watch on the water quality to see when they could lift the advisory. This means they were carefully managing the situation to avoid any possible health risks.
Why is AGSO maintaining boil water advisory in Knokke-Heist despite bacteria-free tests?
After conducting new water quality tests, AGSO, the drinking water company of Knokke-Heist, has determined that the water in the sub-municipalities of Duinbergen and Heist is now free of bacteria. Despite this positive news the company has decided to keep the boil advisory in effect for an indefinite period. Matthias De Ridder of AGSO explained the reason for this cautious approach, saying that the safety of residents is the top priority. He stated, “We cannot officially lift the boil advisory until the water samples have been monitored and tested over several days to ensure consistent results.” This includes conducting two different types of tests to thoroughly verify that there are no harmful bacteria present.
The extended testing process is designed to eliminate even the slightest risk of contamination because AGSO wants to ensure that the water is completely safe before telling residents that boiling is no longer necessary. The company is taking all necessary precautions to prevent any potential health risks even after initial tests have shown the water to be free of bacteria. Matthias De Ridder from AGSO explained that the decision to lift the boil-water advisory isn’t just made by the water company alone. They work closely with important agencies like the Care and Health Agency and the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM). These agencies help make sure that the water is safe to drink before the advisory is removed. Their involvement ensures that the decision is based on thorough testing and not just the company’s own checks giving the residents of Duinbergen and Heist confidence that their tap water is safe without needing to boil it.
