It is required by Health Department regulations to add a disinfectant to public drinking water. Chlorine is an effective disinfectant that kills harmful bacteria and viruses that may be found in drinking water. These bacteria and viruses can enter the water by airborne and other means. If you find this is unacceptable, you can collect tap water in a container, shake it and let it stand for a while with the top off. Replace the top on the container and place it in the refrigerator for drinking. The chlorine odour and taste will dissipate.
BOILING: Vigourous boiling for one minute will kill any disease- causing micro-organisms in water. The flat taste of boiled water can be improved upon by pouring it back and forth from one container to another (aeration), by allowing it to stand for a few hours or by adding a small pinch of salt for each quart of water boiled.
TINCTURE OF IODINE: Common household iodine from the medicine chest or first aid kit may be used to disinfect water. Add five drops of 2 percent United States Pharmacopoeia (U.S.P.) Tincture of Iodine to each quart of clear water. For cloudy water add ten drops and let the solution stand for at least 30 minutes.
Many people assume that all chemicals are health hazards but this is an unfair assumption. While some chemicals in drinking water can be unhealthy, other chemicals, such as chlorine, are quite beneficial in moderate amounts. There are established safe concentrations in drinking water and frequent testing ensures that safe concentrations of all chemicals exist in your drinking water.
No, unless the hose states on its outside cover that it is suitable for drinking water. An ordinary garden hose is treated with harmful chemicals that keep the hose flexible. These chemicals, along with bacteria and other things that might be growing inside your hose are not good for you to drink.
“Dirty” water may be due to routine system flushing maintenance being performed on the mains in your area. There are times when water lines need to be flushed to keep the water fresh and chlorinated. It is an important part of protecting water quality. Let the water run until it clears. If the condition persists, please call Bermuda Waterworks at 441-236-1288.
Please visit our web site at www.bermudawaterworks.bm to see our water tariff schedule for the latest effective cost.
For same day service the reconnection fee will have to be approved by mid-day of the day in question.
Yes, you or your excavating/drilling/trenching contractor should contact all the utilities prior to commencing any underground work to ensure that no underground infrastructure is located in the vicinity of the site where the work is to take place. To contact Bermuda Waterworks call 441-236-1288.
Watlington Water
Watlington Water Applications
