Elmore: Urgent warning issued over tap water in Aussie town as residents are told it’s not even safe to SHOWER in
Residents of a small Victorian community are being urged to use baby wipes to stay clean after a Christmas Day fault at the town's water treatment plant knocked out safe drinking water.
Health authorities issued an urgent warning to residents of Elmore, about 175km north of Melbourne, about health risks in tap water at 1.30pm.
“The city's clean water storage tank has been emptied following a problem at the Elmore Water Treatment Plant earlier on Monday,” VicEmergency said.
“Tap water is not safe to drink in Elmore. Boiling tap water does not make it safe.'
Authorities warned residents to drink only bottled water.
Elmore residents were seen filling their tanks from a water trailer
Health authorities issued an urgent warning to residents of Elmore, about 175km north of Melbourne, about health risks in tap water at 1.30pm.
“It is unsafe to use tap water for: preparing food, cleaning food, or preparing baby food,” the agency said. Add animals and pets should be given bottled water to drink.”
The warning also applies to personal hygiene, with residents advised to use disposable baby wipes to clean themselves.
“Coliban Water is organizing bottled water delivery to those affected in Elmore, with further details to follow,” the health alert said.
'There will also be a water trailer that residents can use to supplement their water supply at short notice.'
On Tuesday morning, Coliban Water, a government-owned utility, said the “do not drink” warning remained in effect.
“Please continue to follow all 'do not drink' advice, including not using tap water for: drinking, preparing drinks, washing and preparing food, preparing baby food, brushing teeth and making ice,” it said company.
Authorities warned residents to drink only bottled water
“The city's clear water storage tank has been emptied following a problem at the Elmore Water Treatment Plant earlier on Monday,” VicEmergency said
In the meantime, bottled water (pictured) is being provided to residents, with people urged not to drink the tap water or use it to cook food or clean
'You can use the water for: toilet flushing, washing machine use, bathing. Make sure you don't swallow the water.'
The company said bottled water and a water trailer were available at the Elmore Water Treatment Plant at the base of the Elmore water tower.
“We are doing door knocking in the community today to ensure everyone is aware of this advice.”
The company said it would take “several days” before Elmore's water network returned to normal and the “do not drink” advisory could be lifted.
On Christmas Day, the company said it was working to restore the city's water treatment plant.
“The factory is currently being restored, but it will take some time before normal operations are restored,” Coliban said.
'We will be adding chlorine to the water supply in the short term when we resume water production.'
Coliban Water said it would be several days before the city's water network would be deemed safe for use (photo: Coliban Water's water tower in Elmore, Victoria).