Citizens who have difficulties in consuming water and food due to the limited opportunities after the earthquake wonder whether it will be safe to consume mains water. Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Water Resources, Lecturer Assoc. Dr. Ceyhun Özçelik requested that the warning made by the Malatya Governorate after the earthquake be taken into account.
MAY CONTAIN CHEMICAL AND PATHOGENIC POLLUTION
Özçelik explained that after the earthquake, ruptures and explosions could occur in drinking water transmission and distribution networks. As a result of this, generally the drinking water supply to the cities is cut off completely or the mains operating pressure cannot be provided, Assoc. Dr. Ceyhun Özçelik said, “In some cases, pollutants enter the mains water due to burst and low pressure, so that chemical and pathogenic pollution can be observed. In such a case, the explanations made by the competent authorities about the quality of the water supplied to the transmission line should be followed carefully. Due to the problems that may occur at different points, it should be taken into account that there may be differences between the water supplied to the transmission line and the water quality flowing from the taps.
ATTENTION TO WATER OF THIS COLOR
In rural areas, in settlements where drinking water is supplied directly from wells or surface sources, it is possible for disease-causing (pathogenic) microorganisms to enter drinking water. In such drinking water, the color of the water is different from the normal, but sediment, mud, etc. substances have a more active role in differentiating the color. On the other hand, the yellow or brown color of the tap water indicates the pollution originating from iron, the black color of manganese and the green color of copper minerals. These minerals have a toxic effect if taken in high doses. In case of any negativity in the color, smell and taste of the drinking water, the authorities should be informed before it is consumed.
“CAN BE CONSUMED BY BOILING”
Özçelik stated that in extraordinary situations where sufficient and quality drinking water cannot be provided, it would be appropriate to determine the water quality with rapid test kits by the authorities and to consume it. In case of necessity, clean surface sources with high flow should be used as drinking water, and drinking water should be provided by methods such as melting the ice stored in the refrigerator.
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