Chlorination at Burgau waterworks

Press release of the Stadtwerke Jena Netze

The chlorination of the drinking water in the Jena city area, which began at the weekend, is expected to continue for about 14 days, as Stadtwerke Jena Netze announced. The measure takes place purely as a precautionary measure, in order to reduce the determined increase of so-called colony numbers again and to secure the drinking water quality. At the same time, the causes are still being sought in close cooperation with the Jena Health Department.

With the results of the extensive sampling, the origin of the abnormalities could already be narrowed down to the northern part of the city. In addition, the presence of coliform germs and in particular E.coli was ruled out, so there is no risk to health. "We suspect the cause to be an after-effect of construction work carried out, which may have led to increased growth of non-specific microorganisms in the drinking water network," says Uwe Weiß, division manager for network operation gas/water at Stadtwerke Jena Netzen. Drinking water is not sterile, existing harmless germs can multiply under favorable circumstances. As soon as there are new findings on the causes, information will be provided.

In order to promote the exchange of water in the pipes, extensive flushing measures are also planned in the northern area this week. At the same time, sampling will be carried out again to check the success of the measures taken.

Background: In the supply area of the Burgau waterworks, microbiological abnormalities were detected in the drinking water during routine water tests. The Burgau waterworks supplies drinking water to around 40,000 residents in Jena's city center, the eastern and northern districts of the city, and the municipality of Großlöbichau. In coordination with the Jena Health Department, additional chlorine dosing has been put into operation at the Burgau waterworks since Saturday, November 19, 2022, as a precautionary measure. Normally, the drinking water in the waterworks is disinfected exclusively by means of UV irradiation. The water may have the odor or taste typical of chlorine.

Stadtwerke Jena Netze asks all affected customers for their understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the company at 03641/688-888.