THE Solomon Water Authority has warned those in Honiara who used the Solomon Water supply for drinking to ensure to boil their drinking water.
Ian Gooden Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) informed Solomon Star yesterday said following the heavy rain, particularly in Kombito and Kongulai catchments where illegal activities (logging and quarrying) cause sediment that affects the supply has caused them to shut down.
“Because the disinfectant (Chlorine) that kills the bugs and microorganisms cannot properly penetrate the sediment laden water we shut down, but sometimes before or after we shut down there may be pockets of dirty water that might not have been fully disinfected,” Gooden said.
He said this may be unsafe and they are therefore cautious in advising their customers to boil the water at these times.
“Generally, if the water is quite clear it is safe, but if it is very cloudy with sediment (not air bubbles) it may not be properly disinfected and may not meet the WHO standard,” he said.
A visit made by the paper at some of the clinics has found that there were lot of people complaining of vomiting and diarrhea, especially children.
Thus, it is advisable for everyone to boil your water first before you can use it for cooking and drinking.
By FOLLET JOHN
Newsroom, Honiara
