Media release – Precautionary Boil Water Advisory in place for Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham

South East Water has issued a Precautionary Boil Water Advisory to the Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham communities after it found a dead rodent in Shoreham Reservoir on a maintenance inspection today.  

A Precautionary Boil Water Advisory is in place until further notice to make sure the tap water in the area is safe to drink while South East Water conducts water testing and investigations. 

Emergency drinking water is available to those who need it at: 

• Flinders Civic Hall: 54 Cook Street, Flinders  

• Shoreham Recreation Reserve: Cliff Road, Shoreham

Community members have been advised to take these precautionary measures until the advisory is lifted: 

• Boil water before drinking, mixing cold beverages, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth and gargling

• Sponge-bath babies and toddlers to prevent them from swallowing water 

• Give pets cooled boiled water or water from an alternative source to drink, such as bottled water.

Water should be cooled before being stored in a clean, closed container for later use. Care should be taken while handling hot water.

South East Water General Manager Service Delivery Tim Lloyd said they were working around the clock to return water supply to normal as soon as possible.

“We’re keeping the Department of Health and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) updated, and we’ll issue another community update as soon as possible,” Mr Lloyd said. 

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience to the impacted communities.” 

South East Water has advised the impacted communities that unboiled water can be used for washing hands, showering and bathing as long as the water is not accidentally swallowed. It’s also safe to use unboiled water for flushing toilets, washing dishes and clothes, and watering the garden.

Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham communities have been advised to visit their doctor or local medical centre and inform them of the boil water advisory if they’re feeling sick as a result of drinking water. 

Mr Lloyd said Melbourne is one of only a few cities in the world with protected dams and reservoirs.  

“As our water is such high quality, it only needs minimal chlorination. If undisinfected water enters the system, the risk to health is low. However, we’re issuing this boil water advisory notice as a precaution. Special care should be taken with young children, people whose immune system is compromised, and the elderly,” Mr Lloyd said. 

“We take seriously our responsibility to protect the water supply to make sure it meets our high standards.” 

Community members in Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham who need emergency drinking water or have questions about the Precautionary Boil Water Advisory can contact South East Water’s 24-hour Faults and Emergencies team on 13 28 12. 

For more information on the Precautionary Boiled Water Advisory visit www.southeastwater.com.au/boilwater

South East Water is also providing updates on its social media channels, and has contacted critical customers directly. They've also sent emails and SMS messages for those customers whose mobile numbers and/or emails are registered in their system.