BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER a failed sample test, all bottled water produced by Island Purified Water over a certain period were recalled and consumers are advised to refrain from using those products until further notice, according to the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards.
The Bureau of Standards issued an urgent advisory this morning (Jul. 23) indicating that “in its latest round of testing of bottled water in St. Kitts and Nevis”, it was discovered that samples taken from that water-producing entity failed the necessary testing.
“As a result, the Department of Environmental Health has initiated a programme to remove from consumption all bottled water produced by Island Purified Water within the last two weeks. This is being done out of an abundance of caution while further testing and corrective measures are being undertaken.”
The release also advised against the consumption of “any water distributed from Island Purified Water within the last two weeks as it may result in diarrheal illness”.
It further stated that the Ministry of Health, the Department of Consumers Affairs and the Bureau of Standards are “actively addressing the matter and will keep the public duly informed”.
SKNVibes spoke with Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cameron Wilkinson and questioned him on what test the water failed and what was specifically found therein.
“Coliform bacteria are a commonly used indicator of the sanitary quality of food and water and the regular testing of water includes a coliform bacterial count.”
He said the presence of elevated levels of coliform bacteria in the Island Purified Water sample led to the recall, which was initiated “out of an abundance of caution”.
“One might ask where coliform bacteria comes from. They are found in aquatic environments. If there is any water source, it is found in the soil. It is found on vegetation and they are also found in large number in the faeces of warm blood animals. There was no faeces found and we are not saying that the coliform bacteria came from faeces…”
Dr. Wilkinson echoed the recommendation given in the advisory that “persons are not to use any Island Purified Water products until further notice…”
He also advised that the Island Purified Water Plant located at Newton Ground has been closed until further notice.
