SOUTH Gippsland Water has received one sample result on April 8, detecting levels of E. coli, a type of bacteria indicating potential contamination, in the Fish Creek system.
South Gippsland Water has issued a Boil Water Advisory for Fish Creek. This does not affect any other systems or towns.
Managing director Robert Murphy emphasised that the health and safety of all customers were at the centre of this decision.
“Our decision to issue a Boil Water Advisory wasn’t one we took lightly. We know the effects it has on our community, from businesses to individual households, and to our workforce. An Advisory was the best way forward, as we do not take risks with the health of our customers,” he said.
Mr Murphy said South Gippsland Water is working hard to identify conditions will enable the Boil Water Advisory to be rescinded.
“We don’t take risks with public health. Over the next few days, we ask that our customers continue to boil their water or fill up their food-grade containers from our water trailers. The Boil Water Advisory will only be lifted once we are fully confident that the drinking water in the Fish Creek system is safe. We want to thank the Fish Creek community for working with us and for remaining patient as we conduct further testing and continue corrective measures,” he said.
A water trailer will remain available throughout the whole Boil Water Advisory period at the e-charging station opposite the Fish Creek Hotel.
Customers should bring water to a rolling boil by heating it until a continuous and rapid stream of air-bubbles is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle. Electric kettles/jugs with automatic cut-off switches are suitable for producing boiled water. Variable temperature kettles should be set to boil. Allow boiled water to cool before using it. Cooled, boiled water may be stored in clean closed containers for later use.
Customers should boil all water used for:
- Drinking and preparing beverages;
- Brushing teeth, gargling and cleaning/soaking dentures;
- Washing and preparing food;
- Preparing baby formula;
- Making ice.
Unboiled water can be used for:
- Showering and bathing (but residents should avoid swallowing water. As a precaution, babies and young children should be sponge-bathed);
- Washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher providing dishes are air-dried before being used after washing
South Gippsland Water is working to identify conditions that will enable the boil water advice to be rescinded.
To stay up to date, please follow South Gippsland Water on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the website sgwater.com.au.
For further questions, please call the service centre on 1300 851 636.
