Wiesbaden in excitement: only use boiled drinking water!

Wiesbaden in excitement: only use boiled drinking water!

In Wiesbaden, a drinking water problem is causing unrest among the population. Since Friday evening, October 31st, there has been a boil water requirement for drinking water in the city center. The trigger for this was the detection of enterococci, which were discovered during a routine examination. These bacteria are normally found in the human intestine and do not usually pose a threat. However, their presence can indicate fecal contamination and thus allow potentially dangerous pathogens to enter the drinking water, which is why the city decided to take preventive action. Further water samples have already been taken, but so far no enterococci have been detected again. As a precautionary measure, the boiling water requirement will remain in place until there are at least three negative results; it could not be lifted until November 4th at the earliest, according to [faz.net](https://www.faz.net/aktuell/rhein-main/region-und-hessen/wiesbaden-trinkwasser-muss-weiterhin-abgekocht- Werden-accg-110760522.html).

The problem affects around 270,000 residents and has brought concerns and criticism of the city's information policy. Citizen comments show that many complained about slow communication and late warning via the digital warning system Katwarn. In fact, the first information about this was published on Friday evening at 10.30 p.m., which many found to be insufficient. On social media, users reported panic purchases of drinking water, which further increased the uncertainty.

Health caution

Immunocompromised people, seniors and children in particular are at increased risk of developing serious infections if they consume unboiled water. The health department has given clear instructions: Tap water must be brought to a rolling boil and then boiled for at least three minutes before it can be used for drinking or food preparation. Boiled water can be used for several applications including washing fruits and vegetables, medicinal purposes and hand dishwashing. The water can be used in coffee machines as long as it is heated to at least 82 degrees. However, use for cleaning dispensing systems or commercial dishwashing is not recommended, as the city administration reports.

The districts of Amöneburg, Kastel and Kostheim are not affected by the measures because they have their own water supply systems. ESWE Supply, responsible for the water supply in parts of Wiesbaden, has continuously published information about the situation and is increasing controls to ensure water quality. So far, no further enterococci have been detected, which is a small reassurance for concerned citizens. However, the situation remains tense and the city is conducting further testing to ensure water quality.

The ongoing uncertainty not only has health but also social implications. Panic purchases and the high demand for water are putting the local economy in an additional tense situation. Those responsible are faced with the challenge of regaining trust among citizens while at the same time ensuring the quality of drinking water.