Urgent Boiled Water Alert For Jerilderie Residents

Jerilderie residents are advised that the town’s drinking water is currently unsafe due to problems with the water treatment.

They are advised that water used for drinking or food preparation must be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe.

Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this.

Once boiled, the water should be left 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 heating and cooling their water.

Bottled water or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food (for example, salad vegetables and fruit), making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling and drinking water for pets.

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, however.

Parents and carers should consider a sponge bath for children as an alternative.

If you cannot boil the water, unscented household bleach (containing 4 per cent to 5 per cent available chlorine) may be used.

Add two drops of bleach to 1 litre of water (or four drops if the water is cloudy), mix well and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use.

Murrumbidgee 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.aspx

• Using water header tanks https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/watertanks.aspx

• Swimming pools and spas https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/pools.aspx

• Topics:

• Water
• Health & Wellbeing