publishedJul 18, 2022 at 4:45 am
Health problemsTenants have been without water for six months due to fecal bacteria
Do not use drinking water and use boiled water when brushing your teeth: This applies to tenants of a development in the canton of Lucerne. The administration takes a position on this.
According to the administration, traces of bacteria were found in a building in the superstructure.
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Tenants of the Hirschenmatt development in Honau LU are worried. “There has been something wrong with the water since moving in for the first time in early December. It smells strange and the lime deposits are discolored,” says a tenant. Management was informed in January. After that, the well master came by first, and later the administration had a water test done. “Here came the feedback that everything was fine,” said the woman. Because some people still had health problems, a tenant commissioned a water test in May. Bacteria and other harmful substances were found in the water.
The report was then sent to the administration, which then had another water test carried out and informed the tenants. The letter, which was available for 20 minutes, states, among other things, that enterococci-type bacteria were detected, a lactic acid bacterium that must not be present in drinking water. The bacterium can indicate fecal contamination of the water and trigger health problems and infections. It is recommended to stop using the cold water as drinking water. Boiled water is also recommended for brushing teeth and showering with open wounds or diseases of the immune system.
According to the tenant, neither a rent reduction nor a payment of damages has been made so far. “The administration claims that it is not an emergency and that we therefore have no claim.” The woman sees it differently: “Several people have health problems. I’ve been to the doctor several times for bacterial infections. Some have also got discolored hair.” They also had to go out to buy water all the time. Showering is also very cumbersome: “I often shower in the gym,” says the woman. Those affected demand: “This is not a situation. We haven’t been taken seriously for half a year. The water supply must finally be put in order.”
The reason for the measured values is still unclear
The Hirschenmatt development consists of eight apartment buildings with around 60 apartments. According to the administration, traces of bacteria were found in a building in the superstructure. “The cause of the measured values cannot be identified and is part of the current investigations,” says property manager Markus Schilter. In order to protect the residents who might be affected, it was decided, in consultation with the local water supply company, to issue a precautionary warning in the form of a leaflet.
The impeccable water quality is now to be confirmed by a new measurement by an independent, federally recognized laboratory at various points on the development. Questions regarding rent reductions or damages can only be answered following the definitive evaluations are available. “In any case, we will be guided by the tenancy law barriers and previous case law,” says Schilter.
As the municipality of Honau says on request, you are in contact with the administration. They are currently waiting for the validation of the perfect water quality by an additional, independent partner. Other households in the community are not affected. The public is available for questions.
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