Water alarm in Viterbo. The checks carried out by Arpa Lazio revealed a microbiological non-compliance in the Centro 480 water distribution network: the enterococci parameter was found to be higher than the limits permitted by current legislation.
For this reason, the mayor signed an ordinance that prohibits the use of water supplied by the public aqueduct for food purposes in the areas served by the affected network.
The non-compliance was found following a sampling carried out at the public fountain in via Carlo Cattaneo.
Which areas of Viterbo are affected
The provision concerns, in whole or in part, the neighborhoods:
Also involved are some areas of:
To precisely verify whether your home falls within the affected area, the Municipality invites you to consult the map attached to the ordinance relating to tank 480, identified by the perimeter and the magenta/pink hatching.
What can and cannot be done
In the affected areas, tap water cannot be used as a regular drink or for direct consumption. Water can instead be used for domestic hygiene, with the exclusion of brushing teeth.
To prepare and wash food, it is necessary to boil it beforehand for at least 10-15 minutes.
What are enterococci?
These are bacteria normally present in the intestines of humans and animals. Their presence in drinking water is considered an indicator of possible faecal contamination and is therefore constantly monitored.
In most cases these bacteria cause infections, especially in fragile people or people with low immune defenses. They can cause urinary tract infections, wound infections and, more rarely, more serious infections. The most common symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
