Contaminated Water Woes in Moers: Elevated Bacteria Levels Prevent Access to Well Water
In the heart of Moers, a change is underway. The drinking fountain on Steinstraße, a popular spot in the city centre, will soon be equipped with an automatic flushing device. This upgrade, announced by Andreas Bongartz from Enni, is part of a project spearheaded by the Enni Group.
The decision to install this device comes in response to a temporary shutdown of the fountain on 8th August 2025, at 21:58. The city took this step due to excessive bacteria levels detected in the water, although the Institute for Water Research suggested it was a precautionary measure. Despite the drinking water regulations' thresholds being exceeded, there was no health risk reported.
The automatic flushing device is designed to maintain fresh water flow and prevent water stagnation, ensuring the safety and usability of the fountain. This solution reduces the need for manual flushing, addressing problems related to water quality that led to the initial shutdown.
Meanwhile, another drinking fountain in Moers, located in the skate park, remains out of order. The issue stems from a missing control element, which will be installed during the winter break.
The new drinking fountain on Steinstraße was installed in July, prior to the shutdown. The Enni Group initially tested the water and approved the fountain after the first analysis.
Herbert Hornung, Enni spokesperson, explained that problems arose during the next routine check, leading to the temporary shutdown. Despite these issues, the city and the Enni Group are committed to ensuring the quality and safety of Moers' drinking water fountains.
This upgrade is a step towards a more hygienic and reliable drinking water supply for the residents and visitors of Moers. The city continues to prioritise the well-being of its community, ensuring that public facilities like drinking fountains are maintained to the highest standards.
The Enni Group's decision to install an automatic flushing device on the drinking fountain at Steinstraße is a part of a broader economic and social policy focusing on health-and-wellness, aiming to provide a more hygienic and reliable drinking water supply. The city's initiative comes after a temporary shutdown due to excessive bacteria levels, prompting the use of science and water research to address issues related to water quality and prevent future incidents.
