A precautionary advice for drinking water (water boil alert) was issued today for the Tennant Creek 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 Karen Beirne said that 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 for 3 minutes 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," said Ms Beirne.
"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 Beirne added.
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 1800 095 646 or mobile 0438 856 087.
Media contact: Darrel Trueman, 0401 116 203
Released on 7 May 2009
