Urgent tap water warning to thousands in Melbourne still reeling from effects of devastating floods

Urgent tap water warning issued to thousands of residents in Melbourne who are still reeling from the effects of the devastating floods

  • Drinking water supplies have been contaminated in Melbourne’s outer east 
  • Residents have been told not to drink the tap water even after boiling it
  • The outage is expected to last three days with emergency supply points set up

Thousands of residents in flood-ravaged Melbourne areas have been ordered: ‘Don’t drink the tap water!’

The recent deadly storms which saw extensive flood damage across the state have caused a failure in the drinking water tanks supplying the Yarra Valley.

On Wednesday, homes in Kallista, Sherbrooke and The Patch suburbs in Melbourne’s outer east were told they couldn’t drink their tap water for the next three days.

Locals were warned that even boiling the water wouldn’t make it safe – and residents should also take care not to swallow any water while bathing or showering.

Thousands of residents in flood-ravaged Melbourne areas have been ordered not to drink their tap water after deadly storms contaminated a drink water tank in the Yarra Valley

‘This advice has been issued following an equipment failure at our drinking water tank due to recent severe weather,’ warned Yarra Valley Water in an urgent message to residents. 

‘This may result in potentially unsafe water entering the drinking water system and customer taps. 

Homes in Kallista, Sherbrooke and The Patch suburbs in Melbourne's outer east were told they couldn't drink their tap water for the next three days

Yarra Valley Water have set up emergency water tanks for residents at two public halls in The Patch and Kallista while the outage continues.

Homes in Kallista, Sherbrooke and The Patch suburbs in Melbourne’s outer east were told they couldn’t drink their tap water for the next three days. Yarra Valley Water have set up emergency water tanks for residents at two public halls in The Patch and Kallista while the outage continues.

‘Until we can guarantee that the water is safe to drink again, we ask customers who live, work or are in these suburbs not to drink tap water until further notice.

‘We ask customers in these areas not to use the tap water for drinking, preparing beverages, washing and preparing food, preparing baby formula, brushing teeth and making ice.’

The recent deadly storms which saw extensive flood damage across the state have caused a failure in the drinking water tanks supplying the Yarra Valley

The recent deadly storms which saw extensive flood damage across the state have caused a failure in the drinking water tanks supplying the Yarra Valley

Residents in nearby areas that are not named have been told their water is however safe.

Yarra Valley Water have set up emergency water tankers for residents at two public halls in The Patch and Kallista while the outage continues.

‘We are working to ensure that emergency drinking water is available to those who need it,’ said a spokesman.

‘Customers will need to bring their own containers  – bottles, pots, kettles – to fill up from the tankers.

Yarra Valley Water have set up emergency water tankers for residents at two public halls in The Patch and Kallista while the outage continues

Yarra Valley Water have set up emergency water tankers for residents at two public halls in The Patch and Kallista while the outage continues

‘Customers are advised to purchase bottled water from their local supermarket if unable to collect water from tankers.’

Pets and livestock were also warned not to drink from the water supply, while dishes must be washed in hot soapy water and allowed to air dry before being used. 

Even home-use water filters offer no protection against the contamination, the water authority warned. 

Yarra Valley Water added: ‘If customers believe they are experiencing ill-health as a result of drinking water, they are advised to visit their doctor, visit a local medical centre or hospital.’

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