A precautionary advice for drinking water (water boil alert) has been issued for the Areyonga Community following the detection of the 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 Peter Rogers said in the meantime as a precautionary measure, it is recommended that water for drinking, food preparation and oral hygiene be obtained from either packaged bottled water or by boiling tap water and allowing 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," Mr Rogers said.
Residents who experience diarrhoea symptoms should seek 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 0427 604 712.
Media inquiries: Darrel Trueman, 0401 116 203; Cameron Jackson, 0401 116 144
Release date: 4 March 2009
