Poor raw water quality and treatment failure
Recent rainfall and floods in Yass River catchment have caused problems with water treatment making drinking water in the Yass Water Supply System that includes Yass, Murrumbateman, Bowning, and Binalong unsafe.
Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. 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.
Everyone, particularly people caring for young children, should be careful to avoid scalding, when you are heating and then cooling the water.
Bottled water or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food (e.g. salad vegetables and fruit), making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling and pet’s drinking water.
Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Children should take bottled water or cool boiled water to school.
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.
Yass Valley Council is working to fix the problem.
This advice should be followed until further notice.
The NSW Health website also includes special considerations for:
- Schools and childcare centres
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/schools.aspx
- Commercial establishments serving food or drinks https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/foodfacts.asp x
- Using water header tanks https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/watertanks.as px
- Swimming pools and spas https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/pools.aspx
