Research on the Zandleij, a stream between Tilburg and Cromvoirt near Vught, is completed. The De Dommel Water Board reports that measurements show that a water company employee and a contractor did not get sick from the dirty water. Last year, employees felt unwell while mowing the banks of the Zandleij. According to the water board, this could be due to the smell.
The water authority had previously not ruled out that medicine residues in the water were the cause of the complaints. For years the water of the Zandleij has been dark brown and smelly. During drought periods, the water consists largely of treated sewage and wastewater from the Tilburg water treatment plant. It is never possible to remove all drug and chemical residues from that water.
Diesel fumes
Research now shows that dirty water was not the cause of lawn mower complaints. “Research shows that all measurable substances in the air are far below the amount allowed for working eight hours a day,” the water utility said. No substances causing health problems were found in the water either. Bacterial and viral research also found no cause.
After research, the water utility wants to replace diesel-powered mower boats more quickly. “Diesel steamers were also well below the permitted daily standard. Although this is a reason to accelerate the transition to electric mower boats,” says a spokesperson.
“The olfactory experience is personal”
So how did the two get sick? According to the water company, the cause could be the smell of the water. “The water meets the standards, but it is not clean. The water has an odor that belongs to clean wastewater.” And everyone reacts differently: “The perception of smell is very personal. When one person feels nauseous, another is not bothered by it at all.”
The work around the Zandleij can still continue. They are also working on a better way to filter the water, which will bring the color and smell back to normal.
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2024-01-12 14:58:11
#stinky #stream #ticks #boxes #nausea #smell