Amsterdam shuts nineteen fountains over bacteria contamination

The municipality of Amsterdam has turned off nineteen fountains across the city.

Elevated levels of E. coli bacteria were found in some of them, which can cause stomach and intestinal complaints.

A statement from the municipality noted that several fountains lack proper purification systems while remaining easily accessible to people. Those have also been shut down as a precaution.

Drainage and investigation

The cause of the contamination remains unclear.

Water from the affected fountains is being drained into the sewer system while officials investigate where the bacteria came from.

Dozens of other fountains remain operational across the city, which has 88 in total. They typically spray water from mid-April through mid-October.

Source: NOS