Residents of nine districts in Geneva have been told not to drink the local tap water after a water pipe burst in the city. Approximately 40.000 residents are affected, with the local council and water provider having to set up emergency supplies of drinking water.

Drinking water contaminated in nine Geneva districts

In a statement on Sunday, the water provider SIG confirmed that nine municipalities in Canton Geneva do not have access to clean drinking water. Districts on the eastern bank of the lake have been affected, namely Thônex, Choulex, Corsier, Vandoeuvres, Collonge-Bellerive, Hermance, Anières, Puplinge and Cologny. Later it emerged that homes on 11 streets in Eaux-Vives, Chêne-Bourg and Chêne-Bougeries were also impacted.

Speaking at a press conference, the Geneva minister in charge of the water supply, Frédéric Schulz explained that a water pipe on Quai Gustave Ador had burst during the night of September 28. As a result of the ensuing low pressure, “external elements” had been sucked into the tap water supply, which could contain contaminating bacteria.

What should Geneva residents do with their tap water?

Though the valves have since been closed and the network vented, it will take until the middle of the week for the authorities to confirm fully what had gotten into the water supply. Therefore, those in affected areas of Geneva are advised to do the following:

• If the water is discoloured, non-transparent or abnormal in appearance, do not use the water at all.
• If the water is transparent, do not drink it, give it to animals, wash food in it or use it to brush your teeth.
• You can use transparent water for showering.

If you have to use tap water, authorities recommend boiling the water before use. Symptoms of consuming unboiled contaminated tap water include “vomiting, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal disorders. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to consult your doctor,” SIG wrote.

Emergency drinking water supplies set up in Geneva

For those living in the affected areas, SIG and the emergency services have set up 16 drinking water supply points in the city of Geneva, Chêne-Bougeries and Chêne-Bourg. Residents should bring their own containers to the points, and they will remain in place until the situation is resolved.

The slowness of the rollout and the announcement was met with criticism, with Watson reporting that local supermarkets were swamped with residents trying to stock up on water. Though local hospitals have not reported an increase in admissions, the president of Puplinge Gilles Marti told RTS that residents should have been informed about the situation sooner as many could have used the water before being told. 

For students, SIG confirmed that while schools in the area have been impacted, children should attend classes - however, they are advised to bring a large bottle of drinking water with them. School meals will be provided as normal.

When will clean drinking water return to affected residents?

At the time of writing, SIG has not given an indication of when the drinking water situation in Geneva will be resolved. For more information, and to see where the designated water supply points are, visit the official website.