Karmiel Municipality: Bacteria Found in Drinking Water That Can Cause Intestinal Diseases

The Karmiel Municipality informed residents that routine tests found bacteria in the drinking water, indicating contamination that could cause intestinal diseases. The Ministry of Health instructed to boil water before use. The municipality and water corporation prepared to distribute water to educational institutions and are working to return to normalcy.

The Karmiel Municipality announced this evening (Wednesday) to residents that routine tests and samples found bacteria in the drinking water. According to the municipality, the presence of bacteria indicates contamination that could cause intestinal diseases, diarrhea, infections, and even a real danger to sensitive populations. The day before, the Ministry of Health ordered mandatory boiling of water in the northern city before drinking, cooking, preparing food, medications, and brushing teeth. Bathing and sanitation uses are allowed without boiling. The municipality and the water corporation 'Ein Kramim' together with Mekorot disconnected the water reservoirs and are preparing for direct water supply. The municipality clarified that there is no obligation to purchase mineral water, and water can be boiled. Also, there is no shortage of water in the city's retail chains. The process of returning to normalcy is expected to take about 24 hours from the time of sampling, until additional laboratory test results are received.