Residents in some NSW Central Coast suburbs have been advised to boil their tap water due to the possible contamination of the local water supply with E. coli bacteria.
A “boil water alert” was issued by Central Coast Council last night after recent samples detected the presence of E. coli bacteria.
Further testing to validate the initial results is now underway and the council has notified NSW Health.
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Suburbs affected include Terrigal, North Avoca, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Erina, Erina Heights and Kincumber.
In an update issued at 11am today, the council said the boil water alert remained in place while investigations are under way.
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E. coli in drinking water indicates it may be contaminated with faeces.
This can cause gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhoea.
Other symptoms to watch out for include stomach aches, nausea and vomiting.
In more serious cases, E. coli can also cause urinary tract infections, or illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis in newborn babies and cholecystitis.
Residents and businesses are being advised:
- Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil. Kettles with automatic shut-off switches can do this. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.
- Immune-compromised people should be especially vigilant.
- People caring for young children, should be careful to avoid scalding, when you are heating and then cooling the water.
- Tap water is safe for bathing. There is a potential risk if water is swallowed during washing and bathing. Parents and carers could consider a sponge bath for children as an alternative.
The next update is expected at 3.30pm, council said.
