Cairns Regional Council has today advised that consumers in the Bartle Frere Scheme area should boil drinking water until further notice.
The Council says customers should bring water to a boil by heating the water 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. Variable temperature kettles should be set to boil.
After heating, water must be allowed to cool before using it, and be stored in a clean, closed container for later use. Care should be taken to avoid scalding injuries.
Customers should boil all water used for:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Washing and preparing food or beverages
- Preparing baby formula
- Making ice.
Unboiled water can 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.
“Cairns Regional Council apologises for any inconvenience and will provide updates as they become available,” the Council said in a statement.
