Poland’s Government Security Centre issued urgent alerts to Ostrołęka County, warning residents in Rostki Wielkie, Rostki Piotrowice, Podgórze Gazdy and parts of Zawist Nadbużnych that tap water is unsafe for drinking and hygiene.
RCB Alerts Residents of Ostrołęka County
The Government Security Centre issued an emergency alert to all residents of Ostrołęka County, Mazovian Voivodeship. The notice—sent via SMS to mobile users across the county—identified tap water from the municipal supply serving Rostki Wielkie, Rostki Piotrowice, Podgórze Gazdy, and parts of Zawist Nadbużnych as unsafe for drinking or sanitary purposes after finding coliform bacteria.
RCB alerts are employed only in situations that pose an immediate threat to life or health over a sizable area. Residents are advised that the warned zones must not use tap water for any purpose, from ingestion to any hygiene activity.
Water Supply Affected by E. coli Presence
Investigations revealed the presence of Escherichia coli bacteria in samples taken from the Rostki Wielkie water network, which feeds part of Małkinia Górna municipality. The same network supplies several thousand residents in Rostki Wielkie, Rostki Piotrowice, Zawist Nadbużnych, and Podgórze Gazdy, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Ban on Tap Water for Consumption and Hygiene
Consequently, local authorities have issued a blanket prohibition on using tap water from the Rostki Wielkie supply for drinking or any hygiene operations. Residents must rely exclusively on bottled water or water obtained from temporary distribution sites.
Alternative Water Provision and Collection Points
In response, the Małkinia Górna municipality activated a 24‑hour replacement water collection point at the Municipal Utilities Plant on Nurska Street 144. The same location operates a bottled water distribution counter from 19:00 to 21:00 each evening, ensuring residents in the affected areas have access to safe drinking water.
Municipality officials announced that the same distribution conditions will apply on Friday, allowing residents to meet basic domestic needs until water quality is restored.
Health Risks and Vulnerable Populations
Children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to illnesses caused by coliform bacteria, which can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, and other serious health complications, especially with prolonged exposure.
Standards, Tests, and Future Actions
Legal standards for potable water demand zero colony‑forming units of Escherichia coli, coliforms, or faecal coliforms per 100 ml. The detection of these bacteria signals secondary contamination, inadequate treatment, or compromise of the distribution network.
Such findings mandate an immediate ban on the affected water, disinfection of the distribution system, and repeated quality testing. The municipality has yet to disclose the root cause of the contamination and advises residents to await further updates from health services and local authorities.