RESIDENTS of a Hobart suburb are being told to boil their water before consumption after E. coli bacteria was discovered in the water supply.
TasWater issued the boil water alert on Wednesday evening for residents of South Hobart who are serviced by the Arthur Street Water Supply.
One of several samples taken from areas across South, West and North Hobart during routine sampling contained E Coli, while the others met Australian guidelines.
TasWater and the state’s health department said follow-up tests would be undertaken to investigate the possible source of contamination.
Information on the boil water alert is available on the TasWater website (www.taswater.com.au) or by calling 136 992.
It follows a similar boil water alert for Risdon Vale in November last year.
Customers should boil all water used for: ■ Drinking ■ Brushing teeth ■ Washing and preparing food or beverages ■ Preparing baby formula ■ Making ice.
Unboiled water may be used for: ■ Showering and bathing (avoid swallowing water).
As a precaution babies and toddlers should be spongebathed to prevent them swallowing water ■ Washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher, providing dishes are air-dried before being used after washing ■ Washing clothes.
The Department of Health and Human Services advises that consumption of unboiled water could lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and a general feeling of being unwell.