Tap water in town near Marbella is deemed ‘not fit for consumption’ – affecting 5,000 residents

5,000 residents cannot drink tap water in THIS Marbella town after it is deemed ‘not fit for consumption’. 

The Junta health department has declared water in El Chaparral, Malaga, not fit for consumption after high levels of trihalomethanes were found. 

Trihalomethanes are chemicals often used as solvents or refrigerants. 

They are known environmental pollutants and some are considered carcinogenic.  

READ MORE: Mijas wants to keep beaches and chiringuitos open for 11 months of the year

Now, 5,000 residents in the town, between Mijas and Marbella, have been warned not to consume tap water or use it for cooking this Thursday, April 18.  

However, it can be used for personal hygiene purposes and cleaning. 

READ MORE: Malaga chief accuses Marbella mayor of a ‘lack of respect’ after she demanded the Policia Nacional share more information following a wave of shootings

Aquavega S.L., the water supply company for the area, is working to ‘put the correct measures in place to reestablish the correct levels.’ 

They are expected to provide alternative supply, perhaps through mobile cisterns. 

However, authorisation must first be given by local authorities. 

For the water to be deemed usable, the level of trihalomethanes must be reduced and at least three checks carried out at 24 hour intervals.

READ MORE: Finnish man, 48, is found dead after disappearing during a hike on the La Concha in Marbella