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BATHURST Regional Council have issued a question and answer notice about the current water situation
Questions and councils response are below:
Q) How will I know if my water has been affected?
A) Bathurst Regional Council recommends that any household on the Bathurst water network including, Bathurst CBD, Kelso, Perthville, Raglan and Eglinton use cooled boiled or bottled water until notified further. Bathurst Regional Council is working to alleviate the problem.
Q) Is it safe to bath/ shower using my water?
A) Yes it is safe to bath your children, shower and wash clothes. Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Children should take bottled or cooled boiled water to school. If you are frail or unwell, or have young children you should take added precautions, for more information visit NSW Health.
Q) Is it safe for my pets to drink the water?
A) Bathurst Regional Council recommends that cooled boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, cooking, washing raw foods (such as seafood or salad), making ice, pet's drinking water and cleaning teeth.
Q) Why has this boiled water notice been issued?
A) This notice was issued as a precaution due to a failure in equipment at the Water Filtration Plant on Thursday (27 June) evening. Bathurst Regional Council recommends that as a precaution all water for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil (bubbling water) before use.
Q) Am I going to get sick if I drink the tap water?
A) Council is unable to determine the exact extent of any contamination and under guidelines issued by the NSW Department of Health, has recommended that this precautionary boiled water notice be issued until further notice. In general if you are feeling unwell contact your GP.
Q) If I have a filter on my tap will my water still be affected?
A) Council recommends all water coming from the tap be boiled prior to use for drinking, cooking, washing raw foods (such as seafood or salads), making ice, pet's drinking water and cleaning teeth.
Q) What is Council doing to fix the problem?
A) All faulty equipment was immediately fixed upon Council becoming aware of the problem. Chlorine has been added manually to the system to disinfect the water. Tests are being carried out to verify the success of these measures. Precautions should be taken until further notice.
Q) What should residents do?
A) All residents on the town water network should boil water for drinking or cooking until further notice. Council takes the issue very seriously, however it is a precautionary measure. For more information in regards boiled water alerts please visit NSW Health.
Q) Why did it take Council so long to respond?
A) Council staff responded to the issue immediately by rectifying the situation and followed appropriate response procedures in accordance with the Department of Health Guidelines. A Boiled water warning in not made by Council but on the advice from the NSW Department of Health. Council began advising the public as soon as the alert was given by NSW Health mid-morning.
Q) How is Council testing the quality of the water?
A) Council is using an independent certified water testing lab to check the quality of water being provided to the public. Once Council receives clear test results the notice of Boiled Water will be lifted.
Q) Who has Council notified?
A) As soon as practical Council begun the process of contacting all relevant parties, schools, hospital, aged care and child care facilities. This notification has been in accordance with the NSW Department of Health regulations in regards to the precautionary Boiled Water notice. Council encourages all residents to go to the Department of Health website for more information on the boiled water notice.
Q) How will I know when it's safe to drink the water?
A) Council takes this issue very seriously and has issued the boiled water message accordingly as a precautionary measure. It is hoped the problem will be rectified within the next 48 hours. Residents will be advised through local media, Council's website and Facebook pages as soon the issue is resolved. Council encourages residents to go to the Department of Health website for more information on boiled water alerts.