North East Water

North East Water is urging Myrtleford residents to continue boiling their household water after detecting bacteria, including E. coli, in the water supply system.

Under a direction from the Department of Health, Myrtleford has had a seasonal boil water notice in place since 1 November 2009 as a result of non-compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003.

North East Water’s Water Resources Manager, Tamsin Smith, said the recent increase in water temperature was a primary factor in the recurrence.

“When the weather gets warmer, as it will for most of summer, we tend to see bacteria in the water supply in a town like Myrtleford where there is no chlorine to provide residual disinfection,” she said.

Ms Smith said the boil water notice would remain in place until 30 April 2010.

“We are continuing our water treatment upgrade plans for Myrtleford, with the initial site preparation underway,” she said. 

“The new water treatment plant is due for completion by the end of 2010, and the upgrade will reduce the need for future boil water notices.”

Under a boil water notice, customers are advised to bring water to a rolling boil before drinking, food preparation, ice making and brushing teeth.