A summer without water. This is therefore what many inhabitants of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region are going through. Indeed, no less than 18,000 inhabitants of the territory are deprived of water until the end of the summer. The simple act of pouring a drink from the tap is impossible for them. This has been going on since June 2, 2023 and could continue until next August 15, as Capital claims.
No drought, no water restrictions. It is neither more nor less than pollution. Following numerous analyzes carried out after water samples, it is recommended that residents not consume it in five different municipalities. It is the Cryptosporidium parasite that has infiltrated the water and therefore causes cases of Cryptosporidiosis.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that is spread through contaminated soil, consumption of contaminated food or water, or contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces of infected humans or animals. At the end of May, no less than thirty cases of cryptosporidiosis were diagnosed in the Grasse region, characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms. The presence of this bacterium had previously been confirmed by the Regional Health Agency (ARS), on June 16.
For a return to normal, the ARS says it will take time and resources. In addition, many steps must be followed in the treatment of contaminated water. According to Nice-Matin, an ultraviolet disinfection unit has been mobilized at the Camp Long drinking water plant, near Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne. But it does not stop there. It will take an additional fortnight to tackle the purging of the drinking water pipes. This operation will require two weeks of work. A period of waiting and examination of the water will then be decisive in order to allow the reopening of the taps in question. Hence the August 15 deadline.
In the meantime, the inhabitants concerned are obviously not left alone to their fate. Indeed, 200 to 250 bottles of mineral water were distributed to the most vulnerable, children and the elderly. Before record temperatures announced for this month of July, the water cut falls badly. In return, the users concerned will receive in the coming days a reduced water bill of 30% on the usual monthly price.
Discover in our slideshow below, which municipalities are affected by this contamination with cryptosporidiosis, before a return to normal scheduled for August 15th.
