For two days now, the residents of Karmiel have been required to boil their tap water before drinking, cooking, preparing medicines and brushing their teeth, due to bacteria that were discovered in the water. The Ministry of Health published the directive yesterday following abnormal results in the water sampling, and today the municipality updated that it is still in effect and that the laboratory tests are ongoing.
According to the municipality’s announcement, the bacteria were discovered during routine tests and sampling. “The presence of tested bacteria in drinking water indicates contamination that can cause intestinal diseases, diarrhea, infections and even a real danger to sensitive populations,” it was reported. The announcement did not specify which bacteria were found in the water.
Following the findings, the city’s water reservoirs were cut off, and the Water Authority, the Ein Kerem Water Corporation and the Mekorot Company are preparing for direct water supply. The municipality explained that the return to normality requires several laboratory tests, and that the time to receive the results is usually about 24 hours from the sampling date. At the same time, the municipality and the water corporation prepared to distribute water to the educational institutions, which will continue as needed.
Until further notice, the water must be boiled before drinking, cooking, preparing food, preparing medicine and brushing teeth. Using Tami 4, water bars, filters or home filtration systems does not replace the need for boiling. However, the tap water can be used for bathing and sanitation without boiling.
Mayor Moshe Koninski: “I ask the residents to adhere to the instructions of the Ministry of Health. We are working with the professional authorities to find out the source of the abnormality and address the issue. The municipality provided drinking water to the kindergarten children in the city today. The education system in the city will operate as normal tomorrow. We will continue to update the public according to the findings.”
The municipality emphasized that there is no obligation to purchase mineral water, and that tap water can be used after boiling. It was also reported that there is no shortage of water in the marketing and food chains in the city. For questions and assistance, you can contact the municipal hotline 106, which operates around the clock.