Residents of Curtea de Argeș and neighboring communes have been warned not to use tap water due to the Clostridium perfringens bacteria.

The authorities in Curtea de Argeș issued RO-Alert messages to warn residents not to use tap water, not even for personal hygiene, after the bacteria Clostridium perfringens was detected in water samples. Starting Tuesday evening, the water supply will be stopped for network disinfection. The bacteria was found in samples taken from two educational institutions and the central market, but the bacterial load is considered low.

The local emergency committee has declared a state of alert for 30 days. Residents can obtain drinking water from 10 tanks supplied by the authorities, and the city hall provides bottled water to those who cannot travel. The rehabilitation of the water treatment station, which dates back to the 1970s, would require approximately 10 million lei, and the city hall has requested funds from the government. Problems with drinking water began in November when the supply from Lake Vidraru was affected. The water supply will only be resumed after tests confirm the elimination of the bacteria.