A precautionary advice for drinking water (water boil alert) is current for the communities of Warruwi, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Ramingining and Milingimbi due to Tropical Cyclone Lam.
At 2pm today this precautionary advice was extended to Bulman and Weemol as the cyclone is moving towards these communities. Cyclones have potential to disrupt water supply infrastructure and the ability of staff to undertake water supply maintenance activities.
Advice from Power Water Corporation is that assessments of water supply infrastructure and testing of water supplies in affected communities will be undertaken as soon as access and weather conditions permit.
Environmental Health Senior Program Development Officer Chris Daly said this is a precautionary measure and it is recommended water for drinking, food preparation and oral hygiene is obtained from either packaged bottled water or by boiling tap water and allowing to cool prior to use.
“This is a precautionary measure only and residents are reminded to ensure that a household cyclone preparedness kit includes 10 litres of bottled water per person to sustain family members for up to 72 hours or more,” said Mr Daly.
“Should Tropical Cyclone Lam impact upon other communities as its expected path continues south, it is possible that the precautionary advice may be extended.
Water testing will continue to monitor the safety of the water and the water boil alert is expected to be lifted as soon as the water is confirmed as being safe to drink.
Anyone who has concerns can contact DoH Environmental Health hotline during business hours on toll free 1800 095 646 or mobile 0438 856 087