After video from Zrenjanin shows tap water set on fire, authorities say, "methane can explode"

This is a long-standing problem

A video has been made in the village of Stajicevo near Zrenjanin, northern Serbia, showing water coming out of the tap in a bathroom that is set on fire. The video was posted on Twitter, but for the locals of that area who have had problems with water quality for nearly two decades, it was no surprise.

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Still, there were those who jokingly commented on the situation, prompted by the laughter heard at the end of the video. Thus they suggested that this water should be bottled and sold or used in cars as gas.

Next, the public company JKP Vodovod i Kanalizacija ("Waterworks and Sewage") from Zrenjanin also reacted, stating in response to our questions that this was about methane, and that it was a long-standing problem.

"The composition of soil south of Zrenjanin is such that it contains many gases, including methane, which is flammable, while in larger quantities it can cause an explosion," the public company said.

They further added that all locals are aware of the problem, however, without specifying whether the water is fit for use.

"Ever since there has been a water supply system in all populated places south of Zrenjanin, there has also been the problem of the presence of methane in the water that is delivered to consumers, and the locals are familiar with that.

The removal of methane from the water is solved by building a water tower or a ground tank, and that is how the problem of the presence of methane has been solved in all populated places, except in Stajicevo and Belo Blato," was the response to questions posed by the Telegraf.rs portal.

They say that measures have been taken in Stajicevo, where the video was made, but that the problem has not been solved.

"In Stajicevo, at the source from which this settlement is supplied with water, automation is installed to control the release of gases, but it still happens that a certain amount remains in the water distributed to consumers and those who are closer to the source receive a significant amount of methane in the water."

They also explained what precautionary measures are to be taken.

"Methane is a gas lighter than air and comes out naturally if there is a ventilation opening. That is why it is important to regularly ventilate rooms where water is used, and it is desirable to keep the window open in the bathroom."

"As the problem has been solved in all other settlements, JKP Vodovod i Kanalizacija Zrenjanin, in cooperation with the founder, is working on solving the problem in the remaining two settlements. There are several options on how to solve the problem, for each it is necessary to provide significant material resources, but we expect that it will be provided in the coming period and that the problem of the presence of methane in the water in the entire area south of Zrenjanin will be permanently solved," they stated.

(Telegraf.rs)