Water Near Warsaw Unfit for Consumption Since Early July

The State Poviat Sanitary Inspectorate in West Warsaw announced that water supplied from the public water supply in Czarnów is unfit for consumption and hygiene purposes following bacterial contamination.

Ban on Consumption and Hygiene

The State Poviat Sanitary Inspectorate in West Warsaw informed on Friday, July 24, that the water supplied from the public water supply in Czarnów is unfit for consumption or for hygienic purposes. Residents may use it exclusively for flushing toilets.

The latest communication concerns residents of 14 localities supplied by the Water Treatment Station in Czarnów: Czarnów, Towarzystwo Czarnów, Grądki, Grądy, Korfowe, Marianów, Plewniak, Podrochale, Powązki, Szadkówek, Szymanówek, Walentów, Wilkowa Wieś, and Wilków.

Bacterial Contamination Detected

The decision was made after receiving the results of tests on samples taken on July 21, already after remedial actions were carried out. In the water directed from the station to the network, coli group bacteria were found at a level of 5 colony-forming units in 100 milliliters. In one of the control points on the network, intestinal enterococci were also detected—3 units in 100 milliliters—along with coli group bacteria at a level of 4 units in 100 milliliters. The permissible value for both types of bacteria is zero.

Due to the test results, Sanepid concluded that the water quality does not meet the applicable requirements. It must not be drunk, used for preparing meals, washing fruits and vegetables, dishes, brushing teeth, bathing, or other hygienic activities. The previous recommendation regarding boiling water ceased to be sufficient—currently, it can be used only for flushing toilets.

Bottled Water Distribution

The Commune of Leszno announced that bottled water will be made available to residents on Friday, July 24, starting at 20:00. It can be collected from village mayors in designated localities: Czarnów – Katarzyna Połać, tel. 792 719 444; Grądki and Grądy – Agnieszka Bocheńska, tel. 787 758 368; Korfowe – Wiesław Gawart, tel. 22 796 24 59; Marianów – Rafał Szmitke, tel. 22 487 02 31; Powązki – Błażej Adryan, tel. 605 404 620; Szadkówek – Justyna Łukasiewicz, tel. 797 118 627; Walentów – Grzegorz Szadkowski, tel. 603 802 460; Wilkowa Wieś – Anna Bilska-Kos, tel. 693 525 353; Wilków – Mirosława Sokołowska, tel. 510 071 859.

Ongoing Monitoring Since July

Problems with the quality of water from the intake in Czarnów have been monitored since the beginning of July. In connection with the launch of a temporary treatment system and new reservoirs, residents were initially advised to boil water intended for drinking and preparing meals.

In a communication issued on July 21, Sanepid reported that the water could be consumed only after being boiled for at least two minutes. Tests conducted at that time showed, among other things, an elevated level of ammonium ion and an excess of the permissible total number of microorganisms at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. Following further corrective actions, subsequent samples were taken, which revealed the presence of coli group bacteria and intestinal enterococci.

Continuation of Remedial Actions

The entity responsible for the water supply has been obligated to provide residents with an alternative water source and to continue remedial actions. The ban on using water for consumption and hygiene purposes remains in effect until the State Poviat Sanitary Inspectorate issues another communication.