Flooding: Anambra orders urgent testing of water sources

The Anambra State Government has mandated the immediate testing of water from boreholes and wells in communities impacted by recent flooding and erosion. The directive aims to preempt potential health risks, particularly waterborne diseases, following the submersion of water sources and damage to drainage systems.

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The results will determine the safety of the water sources and guide necessary remedial action.

Clem Aguiyi, the State Commissioner for Environment, announced the measure, emphasizing that floodwaters can carry sewage, chemicals, and other pollutants into underground water supplies. He cautioned that water appearing clear might not be safe for consumption. The affected areas include parts of Onitsha, Ogbaru, Ogidi, Umusiome Nkpor, and Obosi, with heightened contamination risks noted in Idemili North, Ogbaru, and Onitsha South Local Government Areas.

This proactive public health initiative involves collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Health, local government councils, and community leaders. Water samples will be collected from both public and private boreholes and wells for laboratory analysis. The results will determine the safety of the water sources and guide necessary remedial actions.

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The ministry would collaborate with the state Ministry of Health, affected local government councils and community leaders to collect water samples for laboratory analysis.

Residents have been advised to boil or chlorinate their drinking water until the test results are released. The ministry also warned against dumping refuse into drains and water channels, stating that environmental laws will be enforced. Any contaminated borehole or well must be disinfected and retested before use. The government urged residents to support environmental sanitation efforts to prevent future flooding and safeguard public health.

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Floodwater could carry sewage, chemicals and other pollutants into underground water sources, stressing that clear-looking water was not necessarily safe for consumption.