A precautionary advice for drinking water (water boil alert) was issued today to Palumpa following the detection of the E.coli bacteria in the community's water supply.
The Department of Health and Families (DHF) 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 Dagmar Schmitt said in the meantime residents and visitors to Palumpa should drink bottled water or boil drinking water and allow to cool prior to consumption.
"Work is now underway by Power Water Corporation to monitor the chlorine in the system and ensure maximum disinfection occurs to kill any bacteria present.
"Testing will continue to ensure it is safe to drink and we expect the water boil alert can be cancelled very soon," Ms Schmitt said.
Residents who experience diarrhoea symptoms should seek medical advice from the health clinic 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 0439 888 364.
Media inquiries: Cameron Jackson, Media Liaison Officer 0401 116 144
Release date: 5 December 2008
