Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has advised consumers to adopt precautionary measures to avoid possible contamination due to the excessive rainfall and flooding.
According to GWI, residents of the low coastal regions of Guyana should institute treatment as a precautionary measure to ensure water safety. This, GWI said, should be applied to all tap water intended for food, drink preparation and personal consumption, including for the use of brushing teeth. To be safe, the water should be boiled for at least one minute, cooled before using and stored in a tightly covered container.
Alternatively, water can also be made safe for use by adding three to four drops of household bleach to a gallon of water, mix well and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use. Similarly, as with the previously mentioned treatment, it should be stored in a tightly covered container.
In addition, GWI encourages consumers to harvest rain water. This can be safely done by allowing the rain water to run off the roof for approximately 30 minutes and place a mesh or cloth over the container before collecting water.
GWI also advises customers to promptly repair all leaking pipelines within their premises. Should any additional information be required, customers are asked to call 227-8701/03/04, or email at customercallcentre@gwi.gy or visit www. gwiguyana.com and www.facebook.com/ everydropcountsgy.
