The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) in Belize has reassured the public about the safety of the nation’s drinking water, despite alarming findings from the Statistical Institute of Belize’s (SIB) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7). The survey, released on Friday, revealed elevated levels of E. coli in household drinking water samples across both rural and urban areas. SIB Statistician Wendy Benavides highlighted that contamination was detected not only in tap water but also in purified water from dispensers and household containers, attributing the issue to potential source contamination or improper storage practices. She urged residents to maintain cleanliness in their water storage systems to mitigate risks. However, the MoHW emphasized that its own extensive monitoring data, collected from over 4,000 samples annually across Belize Water Services (BWS) systems, purified water facilities, and handpumps, confirms the water’s safety. The Ministry follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for microbial testing, including E. coli, and implements immediate corrective measures when issues arise. Belize Water Services also distanced itself from the survey results, stating that MICS7 procedures did not align with international water-quality standards and reaffirming that its daily monitoring ensures a safe, reliable, and potable water supply.