HARARE, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Tests conducted on borehole water in parts of Zimbabwe's capital city, Harare, and surrounding areas have revealed the presence of E. coli bacteria, which normally resides in the intestines and can also be found in the gut of animals.

While most types of E. coli are harmless, some strains can cause diarrhea, pneumonia and urinary tract infections, according to health experts.

A spokesperson for the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC), which manages water in the Manyame River Basin, said that recent borehole water quality tests in various areas within the catchment area had detected the presence of E. coli in 11 locations in Harare, as well as in the towns of Norton and Chitungwiza.

The Manyame River basin spans five administrative districts: Harare Metropolitan, Goromonzi, Marondera, Manyame and Zvimba.

"The presence of E.coli indicates potential contamination of the water supply in these areas. While the UMSCC is taking steps to address the situation, immediate action is recommended for individual residents," the spokesperson said in a statement obtained by Xinhua Tuesday.

Residents were advised to refrain from consuming, cooking or using untreated water from boreholes and other sources in the affected areas.

In Harare, the impacted areas include the high-density suburbs of Budiriro, Hopley, Mbare and Eyrecourt, as well as the more affluent low-density suburbs of Mt Pleasant, Eastlea, Avondale and Greendale. Enditem

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