HWP fire drinking water tests to take two weeks

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12: Householders affected by a massive smoke plume from the HWP blaze will have to drink bottled water for up to two weeks.

The news came as water testing is now underway in areas affected by fallout from the massive HWP fire on Monday, Government said today.

And anyone who thinks their roof may have been contaminated should use bottled water until their water tanks are cleaned out.

A Government spokeswoman said: “Samples will be processed, which will take about two weeks, so the Department of Health is asking the public for their patience.

“Once the samples have been analysed, we expect the report will include a map which will provide a visual representation of the extent of the pollution.”

A huge plume of smoke blanketed a large area after the HWP garage in St John’s Road, Pembroke, burst into flames on Monday.

Government advised people to check their roofs and block their downpipes after the blaze – but heavy rain hit Bermuda before many could follow the advice.

The spokeswoman said: “Those who had ash on their roof and did block their gutters should have protected their tank water, but should nevertheless drink bottled water as a precaution until the testing and analysis have been completed.

“Those with no ash on their roof can presume they were not affected. Those who are unsure they had ash on their roof can use a proxy — for example, their car was covered with dust or soot.”