To date, this hotline has received about 2,000 phone calls. The line is open 24 hours a day.
Below you will find the questions that callers ask most frequently:
Note: there is no contamination in the following municipalities
Beaufort, Bech, Beckerich, Berdorf, Bettendorf, Bissen, Boevange/Attert, Bous, Burmerange, Colmar-Berg, Consdorf, Dalheim, Diekirch, Echternach, Ermsdorf, Ettelbruck, Fischbach, Heffingen, Hobscheid, Kehlen, Koerich, Larochette, Lintgen, Lorentzweiler, Mamer, Medernach, Mersch, Merzig, Mondorf, Nommern, Präitzerdall, Redange, Reisdorf, Remerschen, Remich, Rosport, Saeul, Schieren, Septfontaines, Stadtbredimus, Steinfort, Tuntange, Useldange, Vichten, Waldbillig, Waldbredimus, Weiler-la-Tour, Wellenstein.
For the municipalities not listed above, please refer to the information provided by the respective municipalities.
Coffee makers
Conventional coffee makers (home use) should be used only with bottled mineral water or with water that has been boiled for at least 10 minutes.
Coffee vending machines that use tap water should be taken out of service.
Automatic hot beverage vending machines (coffee, tea, and powdered cocoa) that use tap water should also be taken out of service.
This does not apply to professional high-pressure vending machines (high-pressure espresso machines). They may be used normally.
Food products
Fish
Eating cooked and smoked fish will cause no health-related problems.
However, we strongly advise you not to eat raw fish.
It should be noted that the appropriate health agencies have informed all major distributors.
Raw vegetables / salads
Raw vegetables and salads should be rinsed either with mineral water or with tap water that has been boiled for at least 10 minutes.
The appropriate health agencies have informed commercial restaurants (cafeterias, corporate restaurants, and day care centres), as well as assistance and care institutions (meals in homes).
Milk and derivatives
This does not apply to milk and derivatives; you may consume them without restriction.
Animals
There is no danger to report for commercial animals such as cows, sheep, pigs, etc.
For young pets (puppies, kittens and parakeets), mineral water or water boiled for at least 10 minutes should be used.
Swimming pools
Swimming in public and private pools is not hazardous.
Aquariums
Unless absolutely necessary, water in aquariums should not be changed due to the increased presence of chlorine in the tap water. If necessary, we recommend that you change no more than ¼ of the water volume.
An active charcoal filter protects fish from over-chlorination. Please note that one of the health measures implemented was an increase in the chlorination of the problematic drinking water.
Medical issues
Symptoms
The bacterial contamination of water may cause diarrhoea and intestinal cramps in some people.
Incubation period: the first symptoms may appear from 6 to 22 hours after the contaminated water is ingested.
People at risk: babies, children, the elderly, and people who are ill. People who are under specific medical treatment should consult their physician in case of doubt.
It should be noted that the appropriate authorities have informed the "home care" network.
If symptoms do appear, the bacterial infection usually goes away within 48 hours. If not, you should contact your attending physician.
For specific questions, please consult your attending physician directly.
As of now there is no indication of any significant increase in gastroenteritis in our country.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women should contact their gynaecologist in case of colic or intestinal cramps.
Please note that there is no direct danger to unborn babies.
Baths and showers
Bathing and showering are not a problem.
However, if you have wounds, open or otherwise, you should not bathe or shower due to the increased risk of infection.
Chlorinated water
It should also be noted that the increase in the chlorination of drinking water is not hazardous to your health.
For more information
All the information will be published on the Government’s web site (www.gouvernement.lu).
The hotline (49 77 12) that is being operated by the Emergency Services Agency will continue to be open until further notice.