There has been a detection of E. Coli bacteria in the Young water supply system, which means that drinking water is unsafe. Photo: Hilltops Council.
Hilltops Council has advised that there has been a detection of E. Coli bacteria in the Young water supply system, which means that drinking water is unsafe.
E. Coli in drinking water shows that the water may be contaminated with faeces and organisms that may cause gastrointestinal illness.
Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this.
Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.
Bottled water or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food (eg salad vegetables and fruit), making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling and drinking water for pets.
Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.
Children should take bottled water or cool boiled water to school.
If you cannot boil the water, unscented household bleach (containing 4% – 5% available chlorine) may be used. Add two drops of bleach to one litre of water (or four drops if the water is cloudy), mix well, and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use.
Council is working to resolve the issue and will keep residents updated regularly.
This advice should be followed until further notice.
The NSW Health website also includes special considerations for:
- Schools and childcare centres www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/schools.aspx
- Commercial establishments serving food or drinks www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/foodfacts.aspx
- Using water header tanks www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/watertanks.aspx
- Swimming pools and spas www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/pools.aspx.
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