Western Downs Regional Council has advised Chinchilla residents to boil water until further notice due to a water quality issue.
Locals are advised that drinking water should be brought to a rolling boil for a least one minute.
Kettles with automatic cut-off switches are suitable and variable temperature kettles should be set to boil, according to local council. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean, closed container and refrigerated. Care should be taken to avoid scalding injuries while boiling water.
Cooled boiled or bottled water should be used for:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Washing and preparing food or beverages (such as seafood or salads)
- Post mix soft drink systems
- Coffee machines
- Making ice
- Preparing baby formula
- Brushing teeth
- Bathing babies and toddlers
- Other potable water uses
Children should take bottled or cooled boiled water to school or child care.
Special care is advisable for certain people at this time including those with severely compromised immune systems, individuals receiving dialysis treatment and aged individuals.
Unboiled water may be used for:
- Showering and bathing (avoid swallowing water).
- Washing dishes in hot soapy water by hand or in a dishwasher, providing dishes are air-dried before being used after washing.
- Garden irrigation providing foods are washed with cooled boiled water prior to consumption.
- Animals drinking water; unboiled water carries no greater risk to them than the typical water they have access to (puddles, watercourses, dams etc.)
- Washing clothes
- Flushing toilets
Western Downs Regional Council utilities department is reportedly working to eliminate the problem.
“This notice will remain in place until the safety of the water supply can be assured,” local council said.
Precautions should be taken until further notice with council to advise when drinking water is safe.