Bacteria found in Bystra tap water prompts supply ban across Bielsko-Biała area

Detection of bacterial contamination

The Bielsko-Biała County Sanitary-Epidemiological Station issued an official health alert on Friday, 2 October 2026, after laboratory testing detected biological contamination in tap water. Water quality tests conducted on the distribution network operated by the local water utility in Bystra revealed the presence of Clostridium perfringens bacteria. Laboratory analyses confirmed a concentration of four colony-forming units per 100 millilitres of tested water. National health and sanitation standards mandate that the permissible count of these bacteria in drinking water supplies must be zero. Following these findings, the sanitary inspectorate declared the network water completely unfit for consumption and personal hygiene.

Scope of the tap water ban

The sanitary directive prohibits residents from using municipal network water for drinking, cooking meals, brushing teeth, washing, or any other hygienic applications. The Bielsko-Biała State District Sanitary Inspector stated that the water from the affected system may currently be used solely for flushing toilets. The geographic scope of the ban covers the entire village of Bystra within the Wilkowice municipality. It also encompasses adjacent residential neighbourhoods within the city of Bielsko-Biała, specifically targeting properties located along Ochota Street, Bystrzańska Street, Orla Street, and Modra Street where the local network supplies households.

Emergency distribution network in Bystra

Following the contamination findings, the local water utility and municipal services organized alternative potable water supplies for affected residents. Large water tanks, commonly known as IBC containers or mauzers, were deployed to multiple public gathering locations across Bystra. These stationary distribution points were stationed in the centre of Bystra, at the parking area near the church in Bystra Krakowska, at the parking lot adjacent to the Pod Źródłem restaurant, near the new bridge at Klimczoka and Fałata streets, and at the car park by the Promyk Municipal Cultural Centre.

Packaged water and home delivery services

In addition to stationary bulk containers, local authorities arranged the distribution of pre-packaged bagged water at several educational and public safety facilities. Residents can obtain bagged drinking water at designated collection points located at the parking lots of Primary School No. 1 and Primary School No. 2, outside the Public Kindergarten on Przedszkolna Street, and at the Volunteer Fire Department station situated on Klimczoka Street in Bystra. Dedicated logistical support was arranged for individuals facing mobility constraints.

Elderly people or people with disabilities can apply directly to the Water Supply Company in Bystra to arrange for water transport directly to their home: phone: +48 (33) 817 16 19, mobile phone: 510 185 127.

Ongoing remediation and network flushing

Sanitary authorities and utility operators confirmed that corrective technical procedures began immediately upon receipt of the positive bacterial samples. Utility crews from the water company in Bystra are conducting remediation measures to flush, sanitize, and restore the affected pipeline infrastructure to standard parameters. Regular water sampling and laboratory testing will continue throughout the remediation period, with the restriction remaining in effect until municipal sanitary inspectors verify that the Clostridium perfringens bacteria have been eradicated.