Residents in flood affected areas are advised to boil all water used for drinking and food preparation purposes as a precautionary measure since the tap water can be contaminated.

The Guyana Water Inc said in a statement yesterday the water though of the highest quality can become contaminated when flood waters seep into the pipelines, noting that the flood waters may contain sewage from leaky sewage system, seepages from pit latrines or animal faecal matter.

GWI pointed to the water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases that can be contracted if contaminated water is used, and urged residents in the affected areas to also practice good hygiene measures in addition to boiling and or treating the water.

In the statement the company advised that water should be boiled for at least 10 minutes for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or washing fruits and vegetables. Residents are also being encouraged to store rainwater, but GWI stressed that rainwater should be boiled or treated with bleach before use.

GWI is offering support to residents and noted that it can be contacted at the Shelter Belt, or on telephone number 227-8701.