MoHW Says National Drinking Water Remains Safe Despite MICS7 Findings

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) says Belize’s drinking water remains safe, even as early results from the new Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7) show high levels of E. coli contamination in many household water samples across the country. The Ministry says its own long-term testing from many sites continues to show that the national water supply is safe for consumption.

MICS7 is an international survey developed by UNICEF and carried out in more than 120 countries. In Belize, the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) leads the survey to help the government understand how families are living by collecting information on health, education, water, sanitation, and other key areas. Water testing in the survey follows strict UNICEF standards.

According to SIB, early national results released on Friday show widespread detection of E. coli in household drinking water. The contamination was found in tap water, purified water, and even dispenser water. Survey teams tested samples by incubating them for 24 to 36 hours to detect E. coli colonies. SIB statistician Wendy Benavides explained that contamination may come from unclean water or dirty storage containers, and she urged the public to wash bottles and containers regularly. E. coli in drinking water can cause diarrhea, stomach infections, and serious complications for children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. A full MICS7 report will be released when all data is finalized.

In response, the MoHW says it understands public concern but stresses that its own national monitoring program shows continued compliance with water-safety standards. The Ministry conducts routine, systematic testing for microbial contaminants—including E. coli and total coliforms—following strict international procedures for sample collection, preservation, transport, and analysis.

The Ministry monitors water from four main sources: 16 Belize Water Services systems, 110 rudimentary water systems, 105 bottled and purified-water operations, and several handpumps. Monthly and quarterly sampling is done across all districts, and about 4,000 samples are tested every year. All results are checked against World Health Organization drinking-water guidelines. The Ministry says when isolated problems appear, it works immediately with water authorities and municipal partners to fix them.

MoHW says it will continue improving surveillance systems, upgrading testing technology, and working closely with agencies responsible for water safety. The Ministry encourages Belizeans to stay informed through official updates and assures the public that the country’s water supply remains safe to drink.