Precautionary advice for drinking water (water boil alert) was issued today for the Palumpa Community due to the high level of floodwaters surrounding 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 Palumpa should drink bottled water or boil drinking water and allow to cool prior to consumption.
"Power and Water Corporation is standing by to flush the water supply system as soon as floodwaters recede. Chlorine in the system will be monitored to 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 as soon as possible," Karen Beirne said.
Residents who experience symptoms of diarrhoea 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 1 800 095 646, mobile 0427 604 712.
Media contact: Darrel Trueman, DHF Media Manager, 0401 116 203
Cameron Jackson, DHF Media Liaison Officer, 0401 116 144
Release date: 16 February 2009
