rssFeb 20, 2026, 11:29

Boil water advisory in part of Amsterdam: what are gut bacteria doing in our tap water?

Water utility Waternet has issued a boil-water advisory for 130 households in Amsterdam-Zuid and Nieuw-West after E.coli and Enterococci bacteria were detected in the tap water. Residents are advised to boil water for at least three minutes to prevent potential health issues such as nausea and diarrhea, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children. The contamination likely occurred during recent construction work, and the utility is currently flushing the pipes and testing new samples to ensure safety.

Health Amsterdam Netherlands

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5 murals in Delftwijk and East

The City of Haarlem, in collaboration with art platform 37PK and Elan Wonen, is commissioning five new murals in the Delftwijk and Haarlem Oost neighborhoods this summer. Funded by a €100,000 budget, the project features site-specific themes and involves local residents through creative workshops. The completed artworks are expected to be unveiled between August and October.

Lonneke from Hillegom outraged by large-scale mowing of colorful flower strips in Heemstede: 'I couldn't believe it'

Lonneke Poels from Hillegom expressed outrage after the municipality of Heemstede mowed down vibrant wildflower strips along the Leidsevaart while they were in full bloom. She criticized the timing of the action, arguing that the plants should not have been cut during their peak flowering period.

Penalty payments for long-waiting benefit scandal parents temporarily suspended

Victims of the Dutch childcare benefits scandal seeking compensation currently face average wait times of over two years for a decision. Despite these significant delays, the Benefits Service will temporarily no longer be required to pay penalty fees to affected parents for late processing.

National snack bar association ProFri outraged by Haarlem fast-food ban in new district: 'Local arbitrariness'

The national snack bar association ProFri has expressed outrage over the city of Haarlem's plan to prohibit fast food outlets in the new Hart voor Oostpoort neighborhood. Director Sven Flapper labeled the ban as 'local arbitrariness' and questioned its legal sustainability.

Plug pulled on electric car-sharing trial in Heemskerk: ‘A mystery why it works in Castricum and not here’

A four-month trial featuring two electric shared cars in Heemskerk has been cancelled due to low public interest. The organization EcoHeemskerk expressed disappointment over the lack of participation compared to successful similar projects in neighboring Castricum.