Boil Water Advisory – Inverloch

Friday, March 4th, 2022

South Gippsland Water in consultation with the Department of Health advise that residents of Inverloch should boil their drinking water until further notice.

This advice has been issued following reported contaminated water in Inverloch Clear Water Storage on 4 March 2022.

We have found two deceased birds and sediment in the Inverloch supply. In the interests of public safety, we’re taking a very cautious approach. The presence of the birds may indicate some sort of contamination, which we are now testing. We’re also immediately cleaning the system to bring it back online as soon as possible.

Customers should bring water to a rolling boil by heating it until a continuous and rapid stream of air-bubbles is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle. Electric kettles/jugs with automatic cut-off switches are suitable for producing boiled water. Variable temperature kettles should be set to boil. Allow boiled water to cool before using it. Cooled, boiled water may be stored in clean closed containers for later use.

Customers should boil all water used for:

  • Drinking and preparing beverages;
  • Brushing teeth, gargling and cleaning/soaking dentures;
  • Washing and preparing food;
  • Preparing baby formula;
  • Making ice;
  • Drinking water for pets.

Unboiled water can be used for:

  • Showering and bathing (but residents should avoid swallowing water. As a precaution, babies and young children should be sponge-bathed);
  • Washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher providing dishes are air-dried before being used after washing.

Consumption of unboiled water could potentially lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, head and muscle aches, abdominal cramps, flatulence, fatigue, chills, fever, dizziness, loss of appetite, or jaundice. If you are concerned that you may have been affected by contaminated water, please contact your doctor and advise them of this notice. There have been no illnesses reported to date.

South Gippsland Water is working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to identify conditions that will enable the boil water advice to be rescinded. Be assured that South Gippsland Water is taking action to restore the supply of safe drinking water to your area. Any treatment or disinfection issues are being addressed, flushing of the distribution system is being conducted and an extensive microbiological monitoring program is in progress.

Where can I get water if I need it?

  • We’re making two water trailers available.
  • One will be located next to the Scout Hall at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve, the other at the corner of Cuttriss Street and Ramsay Road.
  • We will make this water available throughout the Boil Water Advisory period.

South Gippsland Water apologises for any inconvenience caused. We expect this process to take at least until mid next week.  We will notify you of return to normal service.  For more go to our website www.sgwater.com.au or call our friendly customer service team on 1300 851 636.

For boil advisory FAQs please download our guide:

Boil Water Advisory Notice

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