Recognising chemical water contamination
Machine translation from Dutch, not yet checked by a clinician.
Chemically contaminated water cannot be made safe by boiling. Recognising the signs is crucial.
What to do
• Look for visible signs: an oily film, unusual colour, foam, dead fish or animals
• Smell the water carefully: a burnt, petroleum or sweet chemical smell are warning signs
• Mark the area as unsafe and move people away
• Report suspected chemical contamination to the fire service (112)
• Look for alternative water sources further from the suspect location
Do not do
• Do not drink the water, not even after boiling — boiling does not remove chemicals
• Do not touch the water if you are unsure
• Do not use the water for plants or animals
Warning signs
• An oily film on the water — this can be life-threatening
• Dead fish or birds around the water
• People nearby complaining of irritated eyes, skin or airways
Get help if
• Always, if you suspect chemical contamination — this is a job for the fire service
• Someone has been in contact with suspect water
Why this matters
Chemical contamination of Amsterdam's canals is possible after industrial or traffic accidents. Boiling does not remove chemicals.
Source: RIVM Milieuongelukken Richtlijnen · reviewed 2025-01-01