MANAGING Director of South Gippsland Water Rob Murphy has confirmed that the Boil Water order on water supplies at Loch, Nyora and Poowong will continue through the weekend and into next week.
Speaking at Loch on Friday afternoon Mr Murphy said that the water authority was working with the health department on a process that would bring water back online.
"We are presently waiting on new test results, but we will want to see two or three days of clear results before going ahead and turning the whole supply system over in order to have full confidence in the quality of the water."
Mr Murphy said this is likely to take the advice period into the middle of next week.
The boil water advisory issued by South Gippsland Water followed reports of contaminated water in the Poowong-Loch-Nyora water supply system with residents advised on Wednesday evening to not drink tap water without boiling first.
“Consumption of unboiled water can cause gastro-like symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your GP and inform your GP of this advisory,” said South Gippsland Water in a statement yesterday through the Vic Emergency website.
“If you are live or work within Poowong, Loch and Nyora, you must boil tap water before drinking. Or drink bottled water.”
What you should do:
* Boil water before drinking it, or drink bottled water.
* Boil water for food preparation, cleaning fruit and vegetables, making ice and for preparing baby formula.
* Boil water for brushing teeth.
To ensure water is safe, you should:
* Heat water until a continuous and rapid stream of air-bubbles is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle (kettles with automatic shut-off switches are suitable).
* Allow water to cool before use.
* Store water in a clean, closed container for later use.
* Be careful when boiling water to prevent scalding or burns.
* If you are concerned that you may have been affected by contaminated water, contact your doctor or Nurse-on-Call.
For health advice:
* Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your doctor if you require medical advice.
Impacts in your area:
* South Gippsland Water advises customers in Poowong, Loch and Nyora to boil their drinking water until further notice.
* Water trailers are available at Nyora Recreational Reserve, Poowong Recreational Reserve, Main Street Loch and Speight Street in Loch from 9:30 am on December 4, 2024.
* Further details can be found at sgwater.com.au/alerts
South Gippsland Water are working with local businesses to assist them during this time and supplying bottled water with 20 slabs given away at Nyora on Thursday.
