Despite initial announcements that drinking water restrictions would be lifted last Wednesday for almost half of Arafo municipality’s population after cleaning the filters of the Majuelo reservoir, the Health Department has maintained its recommendation against using the water for human consumption.
Even though the levels of Clostridium perfringens bacteria have decreased, the drinking water restriction will remain until at least next Tuesday, pending the results of the analysis scheduled for Monday.
Mayor Juan Ramón Martín stated yesterday, “We cannot provide a specific date, but restrictions will continue at least until Tuesday.” He added, “We were hopeful of returning to normality by Wednesday, but despite the effective filter cleaning and increased disinfection efforts, there are still parameters advising against drinking the water, although there has been significant improvement.”
Martín emphasized, “We are in constant communication with the concessionaire and the Health Department, working not just on resolving the current issue, but also on implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Rest assured that groundwork is being laid for long-term solutions alongside immediate crisis management.”
The Municipal Water Supply Service, operated by Aqualia, confirmed that “the drinking water consumption restriction, initiated on Tuesday 16th (for drinking and food preparation), remains in effect in many streets including La Hidalga and El Carretón. However, other uses like laundry, cleaning, and dishwashing are permitted.”
To assist the affected areas, the water supplier continues to provide two water tanker trucks suitable for human use. These tankers can be found on Rafael Clavijo Street (bus stop) and La Hidalga Square from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
