Current status of the boiling water advisory in Erfweiler-Ehlingen

+++ Current status of the boil water advisory for drinking water in Erfweiler-Ehlingen +++

Technical Works Mandelbachtal
Municipal utility of the municipality of Mandelbachtal

Mandelbachtal, July 21, 2026

New results are available regarding the boil water advisory for drinking water in Erfweiler-Ehlingen, effective since July 14, 2026.

In coordination between Technical Works Mandelbachtal and the Health Department of the Saarpfalz district, it was decided to disinfect the supply system of Erfweiler-Ehlingen. The measure begins today, July 21, 2026, from 3:00 p.m.

Since the repair of the pipe break on July 12, 2026, the supply network has been intensively flushed. This has significantly reduced the already originally low number of detected viable bacterial units.

In most measuring points in the supply network, no viable bacterial units are now detected. Only at individual sampling points have isolated viable bacterial units been detected most recently. Since these could not be completely eliminated by flushing, additional disinfection of the supply system was decided.

The intake at the now repaired damage site, the Erfweiler-Ehlingen elevated tank with both chambers, and the connected local network will be disinfected with a small amount of chlorine. The dosage used is completely harmless to humans and animals. A slight chlorine odor or taste change may be temporarily noticeable. The dosage is closely monitored by the water supplier.

The existing boil water advisory remains in place until the disinfection measure is completed and three subsequent control tests are done. These are intended to confirm that the water continues to meet the requirements of the Drinking Water Ordinance permanently after chlorination ends. If these control tests provide flawless results, the Health Department will grant clearance.

After the disinfection measure, the drinking water will continue to be closely monitored. Additionally, more sampling points will be established in the local network to reliably assess the development throughout the entire supply system.

Originally, a minimal contamination with coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and enterococci was detected. E. coli and coliform bacteria are no longer detectable in the examined supply area. The most recently remaining minimal values concern enterococci.

Current information can be found at:

www.mandelbachtal.de

As soon as the drinking water can be used without restrictions again, we will inform you immediately.

For personal questions, you can reach Technical Works Mandelbachtal at:

• 06893 / 809-372
• 06893 / 809-381
• 06893 / 809-0

Maria Vermeulen
Mayor, municipality of Mandelbachtal

Caption: Boil water advisory for drinking water in Erfweiler-Ehlingen. Stock photo: kboyd, Pixabay.