Behaviour to adopt

An emergency is deemed to be a serious disruption to supplies of drinking water resulting from either a technical or weather-related incident (quantitative problem) or accidental pollution (qualitative problem) which could cause significant dysfunction adversely affecting the vital interests or essential needs of all or part of the country or population of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The purpose of the actions of the Luxembourg authorities is to inform the population, raise their awareness and prepare them for such an eventuality.

Preventing or managing an emergency therefore involves the entire population, as well as economic and social stakeholders.

Through the following actions, each citizen makes the implementation of the preventive and protective measures laid out in the plan easier:

• getting to know the plan;
• adopting the appropriate conduct depending on the nature of the emergency,
• facilitating the authorities' actions,
• following the authorities' instructions.

Drinking tap water consumption bans

Authorities may issue a tap water consumption restriction notice

The authorities may issue a drinking water consumption restriction notice when a distribution network is experiencing water quality problems that could pose a health risk. The population is therefore advised to :

•     Do not drink tap water, or boil it for two minutes before direct consumption;
  
•     Do not wash raw salads, vegetables or fruit with tap water.

The general public is kept informed by the government via the www.infocrise.lu website of developments in the situation, protective measures implemented, behaviors to adopt and steps to be taken to restore water supplies.

Authorities may issue a drinking water advisory prohibiting the consumption of tap water

•     when a risk of contamination is detected and its use may entail a health risk
•     when a significant change is observed in the color, odor or taste of drinking water, without it being directly possible to determine the cause.

It is advisable to follow the authorities' advice even if the water remains clear, odorless and tasteless.

Consumption

In the event of a tap water ban, and unless otherwise specified in the notice, use only bottled water for:

•     drinking ;
  
•     preparing baby bottles and baby food ;
•     preparing meals;
•     brushing teeth.

Personal hygiene

In the event of a tap water ban, and unless otherwise specified in the ban, you may :

•     wash your hands ;
  
•     take a shower, provided you do not swallow any water.

Any restrictions on the use of water for personal hygiene will be communicated in the notice issued by the authorities.

Domestic use

In the event of a tap water consumption ban, and unless otherwise specified in the notice, it is possible to :

•     washing clothes ;
  
•     wash dishes.

Pets

In the event of a tap water ban, and unless otherwise specified in the warning, use only bottled water for pets.

The general public is kept informed by the government via the www.infocrise.lu website of developments in the situation, the protective measures implemented, the behavior to adopt and the steps to be taken to restore supplies.