Yass, Binalong and Bowning told to boil water

Drinking water is unsafe in the Yass Water Supply System. Photo: File.

Yass, Bowning and Binalong residents have been told to boil their water after the weekend deluge filled Yass Dam to overflowing and affected the shire’s ability to treat its water.

Yass Valley Council says drinking water in the Yass Water Supply System is unsafe and water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe.

It says kettles with automatic shut-off switches can do this, and water should then be allowed to cool and be stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.

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

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

If water cannot be boiled unscented household bleach (containing 4% – 5% available chlorine) may be used.

”Add two drops of bleach to one litre of water, or four drops if the water is cloudy, mix well, and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use,” the council says.

Yass Valley Council says it is working to fix the problem, but this advice should be followed until further notice.