Dead in the water

SOUTH Gippsland Water is advising Inverloch residents that the ‘Boil Water Advisory’ currently in place is likely to last at least until Thursday, March 10.

It follows the discovery of three dead birds and sediment in the Inverloch clear water storage tank late on Friday.

The good news is the first of three tests has not detected any contamination.

But all Inverloch residents are advised to boil water until further notice.

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.

Electric kettles 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 dentures;

• Washing and preparing food;

• Preparing baby formula;

• Making ice; and

• Drinking water for pets.

Unboiled water can be used for:

• Showering and bathing (as a precaution, babies and young children should be sponge-bathed); and

• Washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher provided dishes are air-dried before being used.

If you are concerned that you may have been affected by contaminated water, please contact your doctor.

South Gippsland Water managing director Philippe du Plessis said the discovery of the three birds and sediment in the Inverloch clear water storage tank late on Friday led to the advisory being issued.

“The presence of the birds indicated the potential for contamination, and in the interests of public safety we issued a Boil Water Advisory Notice Friday evening.

“It’s not something we do lightly, but as a precaution, alongside the Department of Health, we felt it necessary.”

An Incident Management Team immediately commenced an operational plan to reinstate the water supply.

The plan involves flushing and cleaning of the Inverloch water tank and flushing of the water reticulation system.

“This commenced first thing Saturday and continued across the weekend.

“Once operational cleaning is finalised, which should be late Monday, we require two days of water quality results that are compliant with standards.”
Communication to customers took place via a variety of means including the VicEmergency App, social media platforms, print, radio and television, direct emails and SMS to customers.

Mr Du Plessis also thanked the community groups who assisted during this time.

“Community groups like Inverloch Probus and our U3A and their networks have been vitally important in spreading information to at risk customers.

“Bass Coast Shire Council and Bass Coast Health have also assisted us greatly,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank all of Inverloch, businesses and residents, for their patience during this unexpected event.

“Many of our staff gave up their weekend to try and return our customers to a normal service. I’d like to thank them all for their tireless efforts, commitment and care for our communities.”

Water trailers are located next to the Scout Hall at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve, and at the corner of Cuttriss Street and Ramsay Road. For more information, go to sgwater.com.au or call 1300 851 636.