Drinking water in Liestal region is contaminated
by Marketing
The public authorities of the Basel region recommend boiling mains water.
The drinking water in the municipalities Liestal, Arisdorf, Lausen, Seltisberg, Lupsingen and Nuglar is contaminated. This contamination was detected during measurements by the Food Safety and Veterinary Office of the canton of Baselland. The five affected municipalities obtain their drinking water from Liestal.
There is faecal bacteria in the water. The reasons for the contamination are still uncertain. It could take several days until all lines are decontaminated, says Rolf Wirz, spokesperson for the Health Department of the canton of Baselland. This has to do with the fact that the causes must be thoroughly investigated and then the affected water pipes must be flushed again.
The public authorities of the Basel region are asking inhabitants to boil the mains water. Boiling kills off microorganisms. The mains water must be boiled for at least three minutes. Baby formula should only be prepared with mineral water. Food which is eaten raw such as vegetables or salad should only be rinsed with boiled water. It is safe to use the mains water for showering. Rolf Wirz: "We assume that you will not swallow massive amounts of water when showering."
The Canton Crisis Unit will announce further information for the evening.
SRF, Drinking water in the Liestal region is contaminated: https://www.srf.ch/news/regional/basel-baselland/faekalien-trinkwasser-in-region-liestal-ist-verschmutzt, Retrieved 10.07.2019.