Latest information for Harrietville customers
5.00pm | 16 November 2022
North East Water, following consultation with the Department of Health, advises customers that the boil water advisory issued on 13 November 2022 is now lifted for Harrietville. Water is safe to drink.
The boil water advisory was issued due to damage to equipment caused by recent storms. This resulted in the town’s drinking water storage tank to empty and the supply line to depressurise with possible ingress of contaminants into the supply system. The advisory is now lifted following flushing and disinfection of the town’s pipe network. Water quality testing has confirmed that the water supply is safe.
It is recommended that customers flush internal taps for two minutes to draw fresh water into their internal plumbing.
The delivery of safe drinking water is extremely important to North East Water and we don’t issue these notices lightly.
We appreciate your patience with this issue and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.
If you would like to discuss this issue with our Water Systems team, please call 1300 361 622.
11.00am | 15 November 2022
Our team will continue flushing Harrietville’s drinking water system today. Further sampling will also be done to verify the safety of tap water.
We are hoping to lift the boil water advisory on Wednesday following approval by the Department of Health.
Please continue to heat water to a rolling boil before drinking, cooking & brushing teeth until we notify you.
We appreciate your patience and apologise for the inconvenience.
10.30am | 14 November 2022
We would like to remind customers in Harrietville that a boil water advisory is still current. Please continue to heat water to a rolling boil before drinking, cooking & brushing teeth.
Our crews will be flushing and sampling town water supply over the next two days under the direction of the Department of Health.
We will advise as soon as we have clearance to lift the advisory. We appreciate your patience and apologise for the inconvenience.
05.30pm | 13 November 2022
North East Water, following consultation with the Department of Health, advises that customers in Harrietville should boil drinking water until further notice.
This advice has been issued following a malfunction in equipment, caused by recent storms, which caused the town’s drinking water storage tank to empty. This has caused the supply line to depressurise, causing the potential for backflow and ingress of contaminants into the supply system.
Where possible, customers should bring water to a rolling boil before being used by heating the water until a continuous and rapid stream of air-bubbles is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle. Kettles with automatic cut-off switches are suitable. Variable temperature kettles should be set to boil.
After heating, water must be allowed to cool before using it, and be stored in a clean, closed container for later use. Care should be taken to avoid scalding injuries especially around children.
Boiled water can be used for:
- Drinking
- Preparing beverages
- Washing and preparing food
- Preparing baby formula
- Brushing teeth
- Making ice.
Unboiled water can be used for washing your hands, showering and bathing, flushing toilets, washing dishes (ensure dry before use) and clothes and garden watering. Ensure water is not ingested whilst bathing.
Consumption of unboiled water can cause gastro-like symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your GP and inform your GP of this advisory.
Please share this advice with neighbours and friends in the affected area.
North East Water will keep customers informed as the situation changes.
For further information or if you have special needs, please call 1300 361 644.