Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham residents warned tap water ‘not safe’ to drink after discovery of dead rodent

Health services have released a warning for Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham residents, urging them to take precaution after a dead rodent was found in their water supply.

An advisory warning has been issued for Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham residents. Picture: VicEmergency

Residents of south Mornington Peninsula have been warned their tap water is “not safe” to drink without boiling it first after a dead rodent was found in the area’s water supply.

Health services released a warning for Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham on Thursday night, telling residents they “must boil tap water before drinking” or risk diarrhoea, cramps, headaches and other gastro symptoms.

Provider South East Water found a dead rodent in the Shoreham Reservoir during a maintenance inspection on Thursday — raising fears of contamination to tap water.

“E. coli itself is not necessarily harmful, but finding it means that the drinking water may be contaminated with other germs that can cause illness,” the VicEmergency advice read.

“Low water pressure and interruptions to water supply can lead to a build-up of bacteria that can make people sick.

“Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and immuno-compromised people are particularly at risk.”

Residents in south Mornington Peninsula have been warned to boil their tap water before drinking. Picture: Supplied

While South East Water believe “the risk to health is low”, it urged residents to take precaution while crews worked “around the clock” to ensure safety with quality testing.

“While we undertake some water testing and investigations, the precautionary advisory is in place to make sure the local tap water is safe to drink,” South East Water said in a statement on its website.

“As a precautionary measure, we’re advising you to boil your water before drinking, mixing cold beverages, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth and gargling.

“After boiling, allow the water to cool before using it, and store it in a clean, closed container for later use.”

Residents have been told their babies and toddlers should be sponge-bathed “to prevent them swallowing water”, and urged to boil and cool water before giving it to their pets.

The water supplier said it was still safe to wash hands, shower, flush toilets, wash dishes and clothes and water gardens with unboiled water.

“If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick as a result of drinking water, please visit your doctor or local medical centre and advise them of this notice,” South East Water said.

Residents can collect drinking water from Flinders Civic Hall and Shoreham Recreation if in need.

South East Water general manager of service delivery Tim Lloyd apologised for the inconvenience to residents.

“As our water is such high quality, it only needs minimal chlorination,” Mr Lloyd said.

“If undisinfected water enters the system, the risk to health is low. However, we’re issuing this boil water advisory notice as a precaution.”

Emergency services will provide an update to the situation at 5pm on Friday, or as the situation changes.