Yass Valley Council has tonight (Monday) advised that the drinking water in the Yass Water supply system is unsafe due to the significant floodwaters reaching Yass Dam which have caused problems with water treatment. The system currently serves residents in Yass, Bowning and Binalong.
Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. 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 water 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 water or cool boiled water to school.
Yass Valley Council has advised 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.
Yass Valley Council is working to fix the problem. This advice should be followed until further notice.
The NSW Health website also includes special considerations for:
Schools and childcare centres – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/schools.aspx
Commercial establishments serving food or drinks – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/foodfacts.aspx
Using water header tanks – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/watertanks.aspx
Swimming pools and spas – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/pools.aspx
Panoramic photograph of Yass River flooding taken from the top of Yass Gorge Sunday 9th August 2020
