By Belize Live News Staff: On October 19, 2024, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) issued an important advisory urging the public to treat drinking water following the floods caused by Tropical Storm Nadine. The storm has impacted water sources across many regions of the country, making them unsafe for consumption. Areas affected include municipal and rural water systems, as well as individual wells and stored water in tanks.
The Ministry has emphasized that these water sources may exhibit visible signs of contamination such as a dark color, unusual odors, or floating debris. Given the health risks associated with contaminated water, the public is advised to treat all water intended for drinking, cooking, or bathing by one of the recommended methods: adding bleach, boiling water, or using purification tablets. For those opting to use bleach, the Ministry advises adding one tablespoon of unscented bleach to five gallons of water and allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes before use. Alternatively, boiling water for one minute or using water purification tablets according to the manufacturer’s instructions will also make water safe for use.
MOHW is closely monitoring the situation and will notify the public when it is safe to use water sources again. In the meantime, citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow the guidelines for water safety. For further details, the public is encouraged to contact their nearest public health office.
