Boil Water Notice for Eildon Township

9 July 2007

A warning for residents in Eildon to boil their water before using it for drinking and food preparation has been issued by Goulburn Valley Water, in consultation with the Department of Human Services.

Goulburn Valley Water’s Managing Director, Mr Laurie Gleeson, said that increased turbidity (dirty water) levels have been recorded in Lake Eildon as a result of the low lake level and runoff from fire affected areas. “Eildon township draws water directly from Lake Eildon, and the turbidity levels within the town have the potential to compromise disinfection with chlorine.”

“While the risk of microbial contamination of the water was low, a conservative approach needed to be taken,” said Mr Gleeson.  “The Corporation has therefore issued a boil water notice to Eildon residents.” 

The notice advises Eildon residents to boil their water for at least one minute prior to using it for drinking or food preparation.

Mr Gleeson said that the notice would remain in force until the turbidity levels in Lake Eildon reduce naturally to acceptable levels. “It could be several weeks before the levels are at an acceptable level due to the high sediment load from the bushfires.”

“The Corporation is currently investigating the feasibility of tankering water to Eildon from Alexandra in the short term and temporary treatment facilities are put in place at Eildon for the longer term.”

Mr Gleeson said that it could take a few days to implement the tankering.  “We thank our customers for their understanding and in the meantime it is important that residents boil any water for drinking or food preparation.”

“This highlights the value of the new regional water treatment plant at Alexandra and the Upper Goulburn Regional Water Supply Pipeline to Eildon,” said Mr Gleeson.  “When completed in 2009 this pipeline will ensure that Eildon residents receive a consistent high quality supply regardless of the quality of water in Lake Eildon.”

Authorised By L.J. Gleeson 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton