Dump fire did not impact drinking water, Minister

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A huge fire at Pembroke Dump had no long-term negative effect on the drinking water of nearby homes and businesses, Health Minister Zane DeSilva said yesterday.

He told a press conference that an analysis of water samples taken after the March 29 blaze had been completed and showed nothing untoward.

“There is absolutely no evidence that the Pembroke Dump fire had a negative impact on tank water quality at the residences and businesses in the surrounding areas,” said Mr DeSilva.

Samples were taken from the tanks of selected properties within a one-mile radius of the fire by Bermuda Water Consultants.

The Minister said the general physical water quality was analysed and the samples were also tested for heavy metals and other substances.

“The analyses conducted on the samples were specialised and exhaustive and had to be performed overseas, hence the delay in obtaining these results.”

Asked if any residents or business owners complained about the water after the fire, the Minister replied: “I think there were a few people that went to the hospital as a precautionary measure but I don’t think we had any problems whatsoever with regard to that.”

He said he couldn’t comment on whether anyone had sought compensation from Government, as that would be a question for the Public Works Minister Michael Weeks.

He said Mr Weeks gave the public clear guidance after the blaze on what to do if they had concerns or wanted to claim compensation.

Mr DeSilva told reporters: “We take water safety and health of our residents very seriously. That’s why we sprung into action and engaged in this comprehensive review.

“The Department of Health would like to remind residents that it is very important to ensure that water tanks are well-maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.

“This can be achieved by ensuring that tanks are inspected and cleaned every three to five years, in order to remove sediments which may have settled on the bottom of the tank.”

He advised the public to control bacteria levels in tank water by periodically adding three ounces of chlorine/household bleach for every 1,000 gallons of water.

“This may be carried out on a monthly basis. If tanks have not been cleaned within the past three to five years, it is important to do so before adding chlorine.”

Last night a Ministry of Public Works spokesman said it has not been advised of anyone claiming compensation both from water contamination or from cleaning of a roof following the Pembroke Dump Fire

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