Central Coast Council urges affluent suburbs to boil water following ‘potential contamination’

A number of affluent southern Central Coast suburbs are being urged to boil water with recent investigations by council revealing the presence of a harmful bacteria at the Terrigal Reservoir.

Residents at Terrigal are being urged to boil their water. Picture: Google Maps

A number of affluent southern Central Coast suburbs are being urged to boil water with recent investigations by council revealing the presence of a harmful bacteria at the Terrigal Reservoir.

Central Coast Council put out an alert on Tuesday warning residents in the suburbs of Terrigal, North Avoca, Avoca Beach, Picketts Valley, Erina, Erina Heights, Copacabana, MacMasters Beach and Kincumber to boil their water.

The bacteria, E. Coli, can cause diarrhoea and food poisoning, or more serious illnesses like pneumonia.

In a statement council said water testing has revealed that the water supply to these areas has potentially been compromised.

“As a precaution, while further investigations are being undertaken, the boil water alert has been issued,” council said.

“Recent samples have detected the presence of E. coli bacteriato, and further testing to validate the result is underway. NSW Health has been alerted.”

Supply from the Terrigal Reservoir has been cut off and has not entered the network since 1pm on Tuesday.

According to council, water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil and water should be allowed to cool and stored in a fridge.

Immune compromised people are also being warned to be vigilant.

Council said tap water is safe for bathing but there is potential risk if water is swallowed during washing and bathing. and that parents and carers could consider a sponge bath for children as an alternative.

Council are expected to provide an update on Wednesday afternoon.

More to come.

Originally published as Central Coast Council urges affluent suburbs to boil water following ‘potential contamination’