Zirl chlorinates tap water to restore drinking quality

Zirl is chlorinating its tap water to restore drinking water quality, ORF reported. The water must continue to be boiled until the disinfection has taken full effect.

Officials decided on Tuesday, in consultation with specialist advisers, to chlorinate all water flowing into the Schlossbach reservoir, according to Mayor Thomas Öfner. The treatment may initially cause a typical swimming-pool smell. The municipality said the chlorinated water is safe to drink, and that the smell should significantly decrease once the biofilm has broken down.

In Gnadenwald, where storms had polluted the water and lightning had disabled the ultraviolet treatment system, the water has already regained drinking quality. The UV system was repaired several days ago, meaning residents can again use the tap water without boiling it first.

Zirl will inform residents when the treatment has restored drinking water quality throughout the affected supply network.

In the longer term, the municipality plans to install turbidity monitoring and a new ultraviolet system. The work is expected to take several weeks, after which chlorination should no longer be necessary.