Chemnitz's drinking water once again complies with the limit values of the Drinking Water Ordinance. For more than two weeks, the samples have shown no more findings for the coliform environmental germ Serratia fonticola. The drinking water can therefore be consumed again without restriction.
After the environmental germ was detected in the Chemnitz drinking water network at the beginning of July, the supplier eins, its network operator inetz and the operator of the upstream network, Südsachsen Wasser, realised extensive network flushing and disinfection measures in coordination with the Office for Health and Prevention of the City of Chemnitz. The measures taken were effective. Increased monitoring and continued coordination between all institutions involved is currently taking place in order to maintain the status achieved. The disinfection measures are being gradually reduced.
There was no evidence of a source for the occurrence of the environmental pathogen Serratia fonticola. The partners involved have been in dialogue on this topic with other regional and national suppliers, some of whom have had similar problems, as well as scientific institutions and other authorities. It is suspected that the higher temperatures and stagnation due to low water withdrawal in parts of the water network may have led to a proliferation of the germ. As a result, the limit specified by the Drinking Water Ordinance - zero coliform germs in 100 millilitres of drinking water - was exceeded in the drinking water network.
The water quality continues to be constantly monitored. Every year, more than 100 water samples are routinely analysed in Chemnitz by supplier one. In addition, around 850 water samples are taken annually by the district water supplier Zweckverband Fernwasser Südsachsen and further official samples by the City of Chemnitz's Office for Health and Prevention.