Two cases of contaminated drinking water
- Safety Flash
- Published on 15 December 2017
- Generated on 15 July 2025
- IMCA SF 31/17
- 2 minute read
Members report two cases of contaminated drinking water
What happened?
In the first incident, fresh water analysis carried out by a 3rd party indicated an increase in total viable count (TVC ) of bacteria in the fresh water system of some vessels. Inspection of vessels’ fresh water tanks revealed that they were dirty and had not been cleaned or maintained for a long time.
In the second incident, a drinking water quality check was conducted in accordance with the office health assurance plan. Upon sending the water dispenser to a laboratory for an annual “water quality assurance test”, the test results showed a high level of bacteria in the water. The water purchasing process from the current supplier was stopped immediately.
Thorough cleaning of the water pumps and dispensers was arranged, and a new supplier of drinking water was approved.
mud in fresh water tank
What went wrong? What were the causes?
- There was a recurring failure to inspect and maintain vessel fresh water tanks.
- There was no regular or appropriate cleaning of water dispensers & hand pumps. The office water dispensers and water pumps have not been cleaned for a long time. This could have resulted in the contamination of the water and subsequent potential health problems for staff.
Actions
- Vessel fresh water tanks should be regularly inspected and cleaned.
- Drinking water bottles should not be re-used.
- Proper and scheduled cleaning of fresh water dispensing equipment should be arranged.
Members may wish to refer to the following incident:
- Aluminium fresh water tanks: Near collapse due to serious corrosion
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