Boil-Water Advisory Issued for Utrecht and Surrounding Areas
Categories: Healthcare,Latest News,News from the Netherlands
Routine checks at a Utrecht drinking-water facility found Enterococcus bacteria, an indicator of possible fecal contamination. While the risk to healthy individuals is low, this bacteria can cause stomach problems if ingested. As a precaution, Vitens has issued a boil-water advisory for Utrecht and nearby towns: De Bilt, Bilthoven, Zeist, Bunnik, Groenekan, Bosch en Duin, Maarssen, Oud‑Zuilen, Tienhoven, and Westbroek. Detailed maps of affected zones are available on the Vitens website.
Who Is Affected
Postcodes: 3528, 3513, 3723, 3732, 3551, 3553, 3981, 3524, 3526, 3585, 3522, 3737, 3722, 3704, 3563, 3566, 3527, 3611, 3721, 3532, 3533, 3515, 3602, 3521, 3531, 3541, 3731, 3534, 3612, 3582, 3611, 3615, 3512, 3554, 3514, 3561, 3573, 3735, 3581, 3555, 3571, 3535, 3523, 3542, 3562, 3525, 3572, 3583, 3584, 3511, 3564.
What to Do Now: Boil Your Water
Boil tap water for at least three minutes before using it for:
- Drinking
- Cooking and food prep (including washing fruits and vegetables)
- Baby formula
- Brushing teeth
- Pets’ water
Hygiene and household use:
- Showering and handwashing are safe—avoid swallowing water.
- If washing dishes by hand, rinse with boiled water.
- Dishwashers are safe to use on a hot cycle.
Extra care is advised for babies, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant people.
You may see coffee machines and water dispensers turned off in offices and schools. Dutch Railways (NS) and food service providers have adjusted operations to protect customers. Some stores reported brief runs on bottled water; authorities ask residents to avoid panic buying.
What’s Being Done
Vitens’ technical teams are disinfecting and flushing pipes and running extensive water-quality tests. The advisory will remain in place until there are two consecutive clean results confirming that the system is safe.
For the latest status, check official service notices on the Vitens website and follow local news. If you’re in an affected postcode, continue boiling water until the advisory is lifted.