Urgent: These suburbs need to boil their water

Users of water supply in Terrigal, North Avoca, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Erina, Erina Heights and Kincumber are advised to boil water prior to consumption.

Central Coast Council issued the alert after 6pm today, Tuesday, February 5.

Council said water testing has revealed that the water supply for those areas has potentially been compromised.

Council said the Boil Water Alert is a precautionary measure.

“Recent samples have detected the presence of E. coli bacteria in the drinking water supply for the Terrigal Reservoir Supply System (Terrigal, North Avoca, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Erina, Erina Heights and Kincumber),” Council said.

“Further testing to validate the result is underway and as soon as more information is known, further communications will be issued.

“We anticipate an update by 3.30pm Wed 5 Feb,” Council said.

But it said that “as a precaution, whilst further investigations are being undertaken, the Boil Water Alert has been issued”.

“NSW Health has been alerted and we will continue to update the community on the situation,” council said.

Council said that until further notice:

• Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil. (That means let it boil for a bit so it’s really boiling.)
• Council said 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.
• Council said tap water is safe for bathing but 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,” Council said.

“It is important the community acts on the advice to keep boiling their water.

“We will continue to update the community on the situation,” Council said.