By Jed Lanyon
Several Yarra Ranges townships are among 88 Melbourne suburbs that have been advised to boil drinking water as power outages overnight caused untreated water from Silvan Dam to enter the water supply system.
Yarra Valley Water said power had been returned and that the initial issue has been addressed, however non-disinfected water is still within some areas, resulting in potentially unsafe water entering the reticulation system and taps.
Yarra Ranges suburbs affected include Olinda, Boronia, Kilsyth, Kilsyth South, Silvan, Lilydale, Chirnside Park, The Basin, Coldstream, Kalorama, Monbulk, Montrose, Mooroolbark, Mount Dandenong and Mount Evelyn.
Yarra Valley Water said they are working closely with the DHHS and as a precautionary measure, a boil water advisory is being issued until the incident is completely resolved.
“Yarra Valley Water is working with Melbourne Water, who owns and manages Silvan Dam, to resolve the issue for our customers,” Yarra Valley Water said. “ We expect water supply to be back to normal later today (Friday 28 August).
“Our teams are working around the clock to address this issue. Until we can guarantee that the water is safe to drink again, we ask customers to boil their water.”
To ensure your water is safe, Yarra Valley Water advises residents to bring water to a rolling boil before drinking, preparing beverages, washing and preparing food, preparing baby formula, brushing teeth and making ice until further notice.
Boil water in a kettle with an automatic cut-off or on the stove until it boils strongly, with a rapid stream of air-bubbles from the bottom of the kettle or pan. Once boiled, allow the water to cool.
It can then be stored in the fridge in clean, closed containers for drinking or food preparation and does not need to be boiled again.
Unboiled water can still be used for showering and bathing, flushing toilets, washing dishes and clothes and garden watering. Yarra Valley Water advises not to drink water when bathing and take extra care when bathing infants.
Unboiled water can still be used to wash your hands.
Yarra Valley Water said they are working to ensure that emergency drinking water is available to those who need it. For those with special needs and require assistance to contact: 13 2762.
Untreated water can cause gastro-like symptoms. Yarra Valley Water suggests residents experiencing these systems to consult their GP.
Yarra Valley Water will be providing updates online www.yvw.com.au
