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Healthcare personnel monitor the water quality of the supply source in Bello, one of the main sources providing water to the city of Matanzas, following a alert about fecal contamination allegedly linked to the dumping of molasses at the Boris Luis Santa Coloma sugar mill in Madruga, in the neighboring province of Mayabeque.
In the aquifer wells field of Bello, microbiological analyses and "technical actions" are being carried out to assess the quality of water from this source, which authorities claim "will not contribute until the indicators are suitable for human consumption," reported the state newspaper Girón this Sunday.
Last Wednesday, the Hydraulic Resources Directorate in Matanzas reported in a statement that a few days earlier there had been a spillage of cachaza at the sugar mill located in Mayabeque, which had led to a deterioration in the quality of the water supply from Bello, in Matanzas.
Two days later, following an analysis conducted by experts in hygiene and epidemiology, the health authorities of Matanzas
Dr. Andrés Lamas Acevedo, director of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Matanzas, told the local newspaper that this is not the first time the water in Bello has been contaminated due to the discharges from the sugar mill, and they must take action to eliminate the damage.
The specialist noted that a microbiological examination of a water sample from Bello revealed the presence of fecal coliforms, “bacteria that are neutralized by boiling or chlorinating the water,” the report specified. This Monday, the results of a new culture are expected.
Antonio Hernández Martínez, the delegate of Hydraulic Resources in the province of Matanzas, stated to the state Cuban News Agency (ACN) that, at this time, the contaminated supply source is not providing water to the Naranjal tank, which does receive water from La Julia and San Juan, and it “pumps it after being treated with chlorine as is typical of the service.”
The official explained that the distribution center, to which Bello usually contributes, supplies the areas of Naranjal, Matanzas Este, Matanzas Oeste, and Versalles, while the remaining areas of the city are served by other systems. "Bello will not pump until the quality parameters are correct for service to the public," Hernández emphasized.
The doctor Lamas also insisted that the water currently being supplied to the public comes from other aquifers and that "the water from Bello will not be pumped until it is in suitable conditions for human consumption," noted Girón.
The newspaper reported that, after detecting the "deterioration" of water quality in Bello and due to the blackouts caused by a deficit in electricity generation affecting the pumping of the liquid, the authorities decided to reinforce the supply through tanker trucks in areas that usually receive the resource from the Naranjal distribution center.
The note acknowledges that "it is not enough because it is a highly requested resource," and indicates that this measure has the support of vehicles from Mayabeque and Havana.
An article published by the specialized magazine Juventud Técnica last December warns that, according to a scientific study, “the underground waters lying beneath the areas of the Central ‘Boris Luis Santa Coloma’ in Madruga, and those that flow into the Manantiales Bello in Matanzas, separated by 17 kilometers in a straight line, are interconnected by a system of caves, channels, and underground conduits as a result of the karst nature of the Cuban territory and the region in particular.”
Coliform bacteria, although mostly harmless, can include strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli), an indication of fecal contamination that can lead to gastrointestinal issues, fever, and general discomfort.
Pollution in the wells of Bello poses a health risk, so individuals are advised to boil the water before consuming it or to use the water distributed by tank trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Pollution in Matanzas
What caused the contamination in the water source of Bello in Matanzas?
The fecal contamination in the water source of Bello was caused by a spill of cachaza from the sugar mill Boris Luis Santa Coloma in Mayabeque, which compromised the quality of water in Matanzas due to the underground interconnection between both areas.
What measures are being taken to ensure water quality in Matanzas?
Microbiological analyses and "technical actions" are being carried out at the supply source in Bello. The contaminated water source will not be used until it is ensured that the parameters are suitable for human consumption, the authorities stated. Additionally, water is being supplied from other sources and cistern trucks are being used to meet the demand.
What risks are associated with the presence of fecal coliforms in water?
The presence of fecal coliforms in water poses a health risk, as these bacteria may include strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli), which can cause gastrointestinal issues, fever, and general discomfort. It is recommended to boil or chlorinate water before consuming it.
How does water pollution affect the residents of Matanzas?
Water pollution mainly affects the areas of Naranjal, Matanzas Este, Matanzas Oeste, and Versalles, which usually receive water from the Bello source. Authorities are using other water sources and tanker trucks to mitigate the impact.
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