by Alex Luttrell, originally posted on July 11, 2016

A PERMANENT boil water alert has been issued for East Coast town Scamander due to the continuing concerns of microbial contamination.

TasWater has issued the upgrade from a temporary to permanent alert with concerns the current water supply does not have sufficient treatment to control the risk of microbial contamination.

TasWater said the temporary alert, which has been in place for several years, would now be classified as a permanent alert because “the microbial non-compliance is ongoing and requires major capital expenditure to make the water safe to drink”.

TasWater is focusing on the implementation of a long-term Scamander water supply strategy with the aim of providing adequate storage and surety of supply. It is planning to undertake those works before the end of 2016.

Residents should boil water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing and preparing food or beverages, preparing baby formula and making ice.

Unboiled water may be used for washing clothes and for showering, but babies and toddlers should be sponge bathed.

Dishes should be washed by hand or in a dishwasher, providing dishes are air-dried before being used.

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.

The chief veterinary officer said there is no increased risk to animals drinking reticulated water in towns under such alerts.

If you have any health concerns, contact your GP or the DHHS on 1800 671 738.