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Health authorities in Matanzas have raised an alert regarding the presence of fecal coliforms in the Bello water supply, following an analysis conducted by experts in hygiene and epidemiology.
According to Dr. Andrés Lamas, as reported to TV Yumurí, this contamination poses a health risk, therefore it is recommended to boil the water before consumption or to use the supply distributed by tanker trucks.
The problem specifically affects the supply networks in the areas of El Naranjal, Matanzas East and West, as well as the Versalles neighborhood.
Research indicates that the pollution may be linked to the recent cachaza spill from the Boris Luis Santa Coloma sugar mill in Mayabeque.
Previous studies have identified an underground connection between the central area and the Bello basin, suggesting that the dumping of industrial and organic waste in this area may have affected the water quality in Matanzas.
This phenomenon has been reported on other occasions, highlighting the need to implement stricter environmental measures to prevent future contamination.
Coliform bacteria, although mostly harmless, can include strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli), an indicator of fecal contamination that can lead to gastrointestinal issues, fever, and general discomfort.
Matanzas has high-quality carbonate groundwater, benefited by its natural infiltration system through limestone rocks. However, the overload of pollutants in the basin puts this vital source at risk.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have reiterated their call to citizens to take preventive measures regarding the use of drinking water while solutions are being implemented to curb pollution in the watershed.
Recurring water problems in Cuba
This is not an isolated case in the water supply and quality crisis in Cuba. In May 2024, a hepatitis outbreak in Cienfuegos linked to drinking water contamination was reported, raising concerns about the lack of adequate health controls.
In March of the same year, residents of Mayabeque publicly reported the poor quality of the water they received in their homes, noting its cloudy appearance and unpleasant smell.
In Havana, residents of the Centro Habana neighborhood reported being without potable water supply for more than 10 days, which worsened sanitary conditions in the area.
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