As a precaution, Gwydir Shire Council will be placing Gravesend Water Supply on a Boil Water Alert, due to the current turbidity of the Gwydir River which has the potential to make drinking water in Gravesend unsafe.

This is estimated to be in place for 2-3 weeks with the current weather conditions.

Council is advising residents of Gravesend as a precaution that water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil. Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.

Bottled or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food (e.g., salad vegetables and fruit) making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling and pet’s drinking water.

Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Children should take bottled or cool boiled water to school.

If you cannot boil the water, unscented household bleach (containing 4%-5% available chlorine) may be used. Add 2 drops of bleach to 1 litre of water (or 4 drops if the water is cloudy), mix well, and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use.

Gwydir Shire Council is working to resolve the problem.

This advice should be followed until further notice.

For further information, please phone 0428 291 206.

Source: Gwydir Shire Council