The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is urging members of the public to be vigilant when purchasing potable water.

Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie is urging consumers to examine the vehicles and the water containers to ensure that they are clean.

“Before water is received, consumers should observe whether the vehicle including the water-holding containers, hose and fittings are clean. Consumers should also ensure that the water is not discoloured and that there is no odour or foreign matter in the water. Commercial entities, where possible, should do additional quality checks,” she advised.

Consumers are being urged to boil or add bleach to the water if they are doubtful about the quality.

“Water should be heated until it comes to a rolling boil (where large bubbles continuously coming to the surface of the water) which should be maintained for 1 minute. Consumers may also add 3.0 per cent or 5.0 per cent household bleach, not bulk bleach, to treat drinking water,” the health ministry said.

It said it will be monitoring food establishments and institutions to ensure that they purchase water from approved haulers.

The health ministry is reminding entities that supply potable water that they must be licensed to do so.