Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) has issued a definitive rebuttal to circulating rumors regarding an E. coli contamination in the national water supply. The utility company maintains that tap water across its network remains entirely safe for consumption, emphasizing its commitment to rigorous daily testing protocols.
The controversy emerged following the release of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7) by the Statistical Institute of Belize, which detected E. coli in some residential water samples. However, officials clarified that the survey’s methodology was specifically designed to assess household hygiene practices rather than evaluate the quality of water provided by utilities.
Hugo Rancharan, Assistant Operations Manager at BWS, provided detailed insight into the organization’s comprehensive testing procedures. “We adhere to strict international guidelines and protocols,” Rancharan explained. “Our process begins with disinfecting faucets and allowing water to flow for two to five minutes before collecting samples in sterile containers under controlled conditions.”
The samples are immediately transported in temperature-controlled coolers to laboratories where technicians employ membrane filtration methods. These filters undergo incubation at precise temperatures for a minimum of twenty-four hours before microscopic examination for bacterial presence. This methodology aligns with standards established by the World Health Organization, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the American Water Works Association.
The distinction between MICS7’s household-focused assessment and BWS’s utility-level testing explains the apparent discrepancy in findings, confirming that the national water distribution system maintains proper safety standards.