As a reminder, the restrictive measures linked to the consumption of city water, taken on June 21, are motivated by the precautionary principle which prevails in matters of public health.
As soon as it became aware of the high level of bromates in the distribution network, the SAUR delegatee implemented a series of corrective measures, including:
- Improving the storage conditions for disinfectant
- Commissioning of acidification at the exit of the plant
- Adjustment of the doses of disinfectant injected at the factory outlet by adding a continuous chlorine analyzer
- The modification of the calco-carbonic balance when leaving the factory
- Continued monitoring of bromate concentrations
The ARS, in view of the rates identified in Saint-Martin and these corrective actions, which are likely to limit the production of bromates, authorizes a partial lifting of these measures. The use of tap water for brushing teeth and washing fruits and vegetables is now permitted. Consuming city water or cooking with it remains prohibited.
These measures having been validated by the General Directorate of Health of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, President Daniel Gibbs, on this basis, issued an order amending that of June 21, 2019.
The Establishment of Water and Sanitation of the Community of Saint-Martin recalls that the water produced by the factory is free of bromates (therefore perfectly consumable) and that these develop during distribution by reaction chemical between bromides and disinfectant.
From August 1, a distribution ramp will be open to the public at the exit of the Galisbay factory.
This distribution system required significant work by the “bromate cell” and validation of the process by the ARS, particularly on the technical and health levels. Aware of the inconvenience caused, SAUR Saint-Martin decided that the volumes of water distributed through this would not be invoiced. Distribution methods will be specified in a future press release
For health reasons, the ARS and the Bromates Unit were unable to authorize the transport of drinking water by truck for distribution directly to the districts. The single distribution point will therefore remain at the factory outlet in Galisbay.
• Measures programmed by SAUR
A chlorine dioxide disinfection to replace the current disinfection system will be provisionally implemented. The objective is to be able to supply the population with drinking water again from the tap before the end of the current year.
All these advances have been possible thanks to the experience of SAUR and the mobilization of many experts around the issue of Saint-Martin, in order to act on the parameters participating in the formation of bromates and to improve treatment performance from leaving the factory.
The Collectivity of Saint-Martin, the EEASM and its delegate, SAUR, want to assure the population of the full consideration of the problem both on the health side and on the economic side.
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