Precautionary advice for drinking water (water boil alert) was issued today for the Elliott Community following the detection of E.coli bacteria in the community's water supply.
The Department of Health and Families today confirmed that precautionary measures were being taken to ensure that the water supply was safe to drink again as quickly as possible.
DHF Environmental Health Senior Policy Officer Karen Beirne, said in the meantime residents and visitors to Elliott should drink bottled water or boil drinking water and allow to cool prior to consumption.
'Work is now underway by Power and Water Corporation to flush the water supply system, monitor the chlorine in the system and ensure maximum disinfection occurs to kill any bacteria present.
'Testing will continue to ensure that the water is safe to drink and we expect the water boil alert will be cancelled very soon,' Karen Beirne said.
Residents who experience diarrhoea symptoms should seek advice from the health centre or other health service.
Anyone who has concerns can contact DHF Environmental Health hotline during business hours on toll free 1800 095 646 or mobile 0427 604 712.
Media inquiries: Darrel Trueman, 0401 116 203; Cameron Jackson, 0401 116 144
Release date: Friday 27 February 2009
