The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) says it has installed new chlorination systems at its Linden Water Treatment Plants and the water is safe for consumption.
In a press release, GWI said the US$50,000 systems use a mixture of chlorine gas and water to disinfect the water giving an end product that is purified water with chlorine residual in the distribution system, which destroys bacteria. Continuous testing of these chlorine residuals is done locally by the operators at the treatment plants and plant supervisors. Additionally, the company said, its central laboratory provides quality assurance checks of samples.
The company also said it was publishing this data in response to allegations made by Frank Fyffe, in the Thursday edition of the Stabroek News.
It said on the same day it made thorough routine checks at the Linden plants and confirmed that there is sufficient chlorine for water treatment and that the chlorination systems are functioning as required.
“Moreover, continuous testing of the water distributed to Linden revealed that there are no traces of contamination,” the release said, adding that there is no reason for residents to be alarmed.
GWI said it made several inspections in Linden and noted that there is need for residents to adopt proper sanitation practices. The company said residents must maintain cleanliness in areas where their standpipes are located and should desist from dumping refuse into nearby canals and trenches. Also, GWI said, water must be stored in clean, covered containers which should be washed often.
Meanwhile, GWI re-minds customers that its policy is to continuously monitor all sources of water supply and to inform customers of any irregularities. Also, all “boil orders” are always published whenever a risk has been detected. GWI said it remains committed towards improving water quality and providing safe, potable water to its consumers.
