How is our drinking water supply secured in emergencies?

Water utilities are prepared for coping with various incidents. Regardless of this, situations may arise where they are forced to cut off the water supply. Where can I get water if this happens?

The most common incidents that disrupt water supply include minor breakages in pipes and faults in plant operation. The water utility can usually overcome such incidents quickly, and any interruption in water supply is likely to be short.

A worse situation may arise if there is a serious threat to the plant’s operation, or if tap water becomes contaminated and poses a health risk. This may mean a longer interruption in water services, or you may have to boil your water. If the interruption lasts for more than 24 hours, the water utility must organise temporary water supply points for residents.

Collecting water may be difficult in some situations, however. Incidents such as a large-scale flood or emergencies that require the population to take shelter may prevent you from reaching a water supply point. This is why it is important that households are prepared for coping without water services for a while. The authorities recommend that you should always keep enough drinking water, food, medicine and other necessary provisions at home for at least three days.

In an emergency, keep an eye on instructions issued by the authorities on the media and comply with them. Do not listen to rumours, and be critical about what people say on social media! An emergency creates fertile ground for spreading misinformation.