Bacterial contamination keeps Utrecht boil-water advisory in place until Tuesday
Residents in parts of the Utrecht region are still advised to boil water for three minutes before drinking or using it at least through Tuesday after the bacteria enterococci was detected in the local water supply, water company Vitens stated.
The advisory affects parts of Utrecht, Bilthoven, Bosch and Duin, Bunnik, De Bilt, Groenekan, Maarssen, Oud-Zuilen, Tienhoven, Westbroek, and Zeist, covering approximately 125,000 water connections. Vitens confirmed that boiling the water for three minutes kills the bacteria, preventing stomach and intestinal complaints.
Vitens collected 20 water samples from the affected area on Saturday and set them for cultivation. A spokesperson explained, “That process cannot be accelerated and must be carried out carefully.” The company requires two consecutive days of clean test results before lifting the advisory, and officials expect results by Tuesday afternoon. If Saturday’s cultures show bacteria are still present, the advisory will be extended.
“All water used for brushing teeth or making coffee and tea must also be boiled first,” the spokesperson said. Courthouse visitors in Utrecht are temporarily asked to bring their own water, and coffee and tea are not being served.
Retailers at train stations in the affected towns, including Kiosk and Albert Heijn outlets, have also stopped serving coffee and tea. A spokesperson for the Dutch Railways (NS) said the drinks are made with tap water, which would need to be boiled separately. “That is not feasible,” the spokesperson said.
Residents are encouraged to check for updates using their postcode and to inform neighbors who may not be aware. Vitens emphasized that water is safe after boiling, so purchasing bottled water is unnecessary, and that supplies in stores should remain available for those who cannot boil water themselves.
The advisory is especially important for vulnerable groups, including pregnant people, older adults, children, and those with underlying health conditions. Residents experiencing mild digestive symptoms do not need to see a doctor immediately but are advised to stay hydrated.
Vitens continues to monitor the situation closely and will notify the public as soon as the water is confirmed safe to drink. Residents are expected to receive confirmation by Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
