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Two cases of contaminated drinking water - DEV imca
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Two cases of contaminated drinking water

What happened?

In the first incident, fresh water analysis carried out by a 3rd party indicated an increase in TVC (total viable count) of bacteria in the fresh water system of some vessels. Inspection of vessels’ fresh water tanks revealed that they were dirty and had not been cleaned or maintained for a long time.

Mud in fresh water tank

In the second incident, a drinking water quality check was conducted in accordance with the office health assurance plan. Upon sending the water dispenser to a laboratory for an annual “water quality assurance test”, the test results showed a high level of bacteria in the water. The water purchasing process from the current supplier was stopped immediately.

Thorough cleaning of the water pumps and dispensers was arranged, and a new supplier of drinking water was approved.

What went wrong? What were the causes?

  • There was a recurring failure to inspect and maintain vessel fresh water tanks;
  • There was no regular or appropriate cleaning of water dispensers & hand pumps. The office water dispensers and water pumps have not been cleaned for a long time. This could have resulted in the contamination of the water and subsequent potential health problems for staff.

Actions taken

  • Vessel fresh water tanks should be regularly inspected and cleaned;
  • Drinking water bottles should not be re-used;
  • Arranged for proper and scheduled cleaning of fresh water dispensing equipment.

Members may wish to refer to the following incident:

Safety Event

Published: 15 December 2017
Download: IMCA SF 31/17

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.