Drinking water in the Levelwood and Rupert’s Valley areas of St Helena has been declared safe for drinking – 12 days after potentially-dangerous E.coli bacteria was found in the island’s supply system.
Most people living in homes fed by the Red Hill water treatment plant have also been given clearance to use water without sterilising it, in advice issued on 21 March 2012.
But others living in a small number of homes served by one specific water tank are still warned to boil water before using it for drinking, cooking or cleaning teeth.
St Helena Government said: “Resident in these few homes will be informed personally today about the status of their domestic water. We hope to be able to clear the water in this handful of homes in the next few days, after repeat testing.”
That still leaves residents taking precautions in Half Tree Hollow, Sandy Bay and the west of the island.
Water in homes and businesses between Longwood and the capital, Jamestown, were verified as being safe on Saturday, 17 March 2012.
No cases of human infection have so far been reported and the government has not stated what strain of E.coli has been involved in the alert.
The bacteria is found naturally in the human gut, in safe quantities, and can have some benefits. But some strains are potentially harmful to vulnerable people, including the elderly, babies and pregnant women.
People experiencing nausea or gastric problems should seek medical advice promptly.
A final update is expected within the next few days.
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SEE ALSO:
E.coli alert remains – but Jamestown gets the all-clear
Bacteria alert: St Helenians ordered to boil water
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That is good news , but things need to change – all over the place – so we can all benefit from drinking water . Great post and I look forward to sharing more with you:)