2 minute read
Mercury levels in the tap water of Tsav, a small village with a population of just over 300 in Syunik Province, have been found to exceed the permissible limit, prompting authorities to urge residents to stop using the water for drinking and household purposes until its quality is restored amid an ongoing investigation.
According to the Ministry of Health, the issue was first reported by a Tsav resident who contacted the Syunik branch of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), saying they had noticed a metallic mass in water flowing from their apartment tap. NCDC specialists subsequently collected a water sample from the resident’s home.
“Laboratory testing showed that the mercury content in the sample was above the permissible limit. Given the high level recorded, as well as the fact that previous chemical testing had not shown such deviations, repeat samples were taken from four points, including the water source and residents’ taps. The results received on September 11 again showed the same readings. All relevant authorities were informed and warned about the deviation in order to ensure the population’s water supply needs. Until water quality is restored, we urge residents of Tsav to refrain from using the water, both for drinking and household purposes,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said no health-related symptoms have been recorded among residents. As part of preventive measures, specialists will also conduct house-to-house visits among residents.
The government and the municipality will take measures to ensure that Tsav residents have access to the necessary safe water supply until the issue is resolved.
Meanwhile, measures are being taken to determine the cause of the water contamination.
The Ministry of Health did not disclose the specific mercury levels detected.