Overview
- About 125,000 connections in parts of Utrecht and nearby towns must boil tap water for three minutes for drinking, food preparation and teeth brushing, though washing and showering remain safe.
- The implicated reservoir has been taken out of service, with roughly 20 household samples taken Saturday and another 20 Sunday for 48-hour cultures, with initial results due Monday and follow-up Tuesday.
- Supermarkets saw shelves cleared of bottled water as retailers raced to restock, while Vitens and chains urged customers not to hoard so people unable to boil water can access supplies.
- Hospitals report patient care continues with alternative water arrangements and suspended coffee machines, and universities, stations, courts and FC Utrecht’s stadium have halted hot drinks and ask visitors to bring their own.
- Many residents reported missing alerts because notifications go to the contract holder or to customers who opted in to emails, prompting Vitens to ask people to inform neighbors in the affected postcodes.