A precautionary advice for drinking water (water boil alert) was issued today for the communities of Angurugu and Alyangula, following the detection of E.coli bacteria in Angurugu's water supply. Alyangula's water supply comes from the same source as Angurugu's, and as a precaution this water boil alert also applies to Alyangula.
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 A/Director Environmental Health, Tracy Ward, said that in the meantime, it is recommended that water for drinking, food preparation and oral hygiene be obtained from either packaged bottled water, or by boiling tap water for three minutes and allowing it to cool prior to use.
"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," Ms Ward said.
Residents who experience symptoms of diarrhoea should seek advice from the health centre or other health service.
Anyone who has concerns can contact the DHF Environmental Health hotline during business hours, toll free on 1800 095 646, or mobile 0417 848 564.
Release date: 24 December 2009
