For the second time in less than a month, six municipalities in Montreuillois, in Pas-de-Calais, are affected by a temporary ban on the consumption of tap water. The Urban Community of 2 Bays in Montreuillois (CA2BM) announced this measure on November 23, 2024, following worrying analyzes carried out by the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
Samples taken on November 21 in the tap water of the Widehem school revealed an excessive presence of Escherichia coli bacteria and fecal coliforms. These findings led to the banning of tap water for drinking, including for food preparation, washing raw vegetables, and dental hygiene. However, the water can still be used for other purposes, such as washing, washing dishes or toilets.
A new sample was taken and results are expected within 48 hours. In the meantime, CA2BM has put in place precautionary measures. Residents of the communes of Bernieulles, Cormont, Hubersent, Widehem, Lefaux and Le Turne (Frencq) can go to the town hall to collect bottles of water, two per person per day, upon presentation of proof of address.
This ban comes a little more than two weeks after a similar situation, which occurred at the beginning of November, where the same bacteria were also involved. This water quality problem has persisted for several months in the region, with similar incidents having been reported as early as August 2024. The CA2BM will keep the population informed of the results of the next analyzes in the coming days.
