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South Hobart cafe owner Michael Dutta is concerned there was a lack of warning about water contamination affecting his community, potentially exposing his customers to harm.
Residents just a couple of kilometres from Hobart's CBD are being asked to keep boiling their water today as TasWater continues testing to determine how E. coli got into their water supply.
The bacteria was discovered in the supply on Tuesday, TasWater's Bennie Smith told ABC Radio Hobart, and a boil water alert was issued late on Wednesday.
Michael Dutta said a representative from TasWater came into his Macquarie Street cafe yesterday to take water samples but did not explain why.
Mr Dutta said he only learnt that his water supply was contaminated with E coli after hearing a news report this morning
"I had to immediately take precautions for the sake of our business and the sake of our customers," he said.
He said TasWater should have told him about the contamination yesterday.
"It was a bit negligent on their part. We were very busy here yesterday, when most of the cafes are closed on public holidays," he said.
Mr Dutta has since received a call from the Hobart City Council about the boil water alert but he said he should be constantly briefed about what is happening.
"We're taking all the precautions we can but it's out of our hands," he said.
Word spread quickly through community
Miffy Wedd from the Lady Gowrie childcare centre in South Hobart said her organisation was coping well with the boil water alert.
She said boiled and bottled water was being used for drinking, and hand sanitizer and wipes were being used instead of normal hand washing with tap water.
"It has added the time just in the change of routine for the children," she said.
"So instead of them just being so used to washing their hands, hand drying their hands before coming up to lunch it's now using the sanitizer and the wipes."
She said precautions were also being taken with food preparation.
Ms Wedd said word had spread quickly throughout the community "so we were made aware very quickly, and the families within the local community have mentioned they had door knockers last night letting them know of the change in the water".
Two Hobart boil alerts in five months
Health Minister Michael Ferguson said he was disappointed to see a boil water alert in a capital city suburb.
He said it justified the Government's policy to take over TasWater.
"I think it does vindicate the Government's position, which has been to get the infrastructure fixed at a faster time frame, a shorter time frame and put downward pressure on prices," he said.
It is the second time a Hobart suburb has been on a boil water alert in six months — residents of Risdon Vale on the eastern shore were put on the same notice in November.
South Hobart residents have been advised to continue boiling water before drinking as consumption of contaminated water could lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and cramps.
Mr Smith said he did not believe anyone had fallen ill yet, but that TasWater was working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to determine sources and the next step.
He said the alert should be lifted tomorrow, but the source of contamination was still unclear.
"There's a couple of sources that feed the Hobart area, so over the next day or so we will have a look at how the system is set up, open and close valves, and determine how this was introduced," he said.
Boil all water for consumption
E. coli is a bacteria normally found in intestines, so the contamination of water typically indicates the presence of animal or human faeces.
TasWater has advised customers should bring water to a boil by heating it until a continuous and rapid stream of air bubbles is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle.
Kettles with automatic cut-off switches are suitable and variable temperature kettles should be set to boil.
After boiling, allow the water to cool and store it in clean, closed containers.
TasWater has advised people in South Hobart should boil all water used for:
- drinking
- brushing teeth
- washing and preparing food or beverages
- preparing baby formula
- making ice
Unboiled water may be used for:
- showering and bathing (avoid swallowing water). As a precaution babies and toddlers should be sponge bathed to prevent them swallowing water
- washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher, providing dishes are air-dried before being used after washing
- washing clothes
- garden irrigation, providing foods are washed with cooled boiled water prior to consumption
If you are concerned that you may have been affected by contaminated water, contact your GP and advise them about this notice.
Topics: water-supply, water, water-management, electricity-energy-and-utilities, south-hobart-7004
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