Overview
- About 125,000 connections in specified postcodes must boil tap water for three minutes before drinking, food preparation or teeth‑brushing, while showering and handwashing are allowed.
- The implicated Utrecht-Kanaleneiland reservoir has been taken out of service and supply is rerouted, with first test results expected Monday and a second round Tuesday before any decision to lift the advisory.
- Vitens says it cannot yet confirm when the precaution ends and will provide an update Tuesday as it requires two back‑to‑back clean outcomes to declare the water safe.
- The source of contamination is under investigation, with experts noting possibilities such as a small breach, high groundwater ingress or animal contamination in the storage reservoir.
- Supermarkets report runs on bottled water as retailers restock, hospitals and universities rely on boiled or bottled water with patient care unaffected, and some residents missed alerts because notifications went to account holders or opted‑out contacts.