The initial warning was issued on March 16 when residents were made aware of E.coli in the town water supply system. Murrumbidgee Council alerted residents to the presence of the bacteria in the water supply after regular monitoring.

While council says E.coli itself is generally not harmful, it does indicate the water may be contaminated with organisms which cause disease. Ongoing monitoring showed the bacteria was still present in the water supply as of 2pm on Tuesday. 

The presence of E. coli in drinking water indicates recent faecal contamination because the organism does not multiply in healthy drinking water systems.

As a precaution residents are advised that water for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil. It should then be cooled and stored in a clean, covered container and refrigerated.

Cooled boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, cooking, washing raw food (such as seafood or salads), making ice, pet’s drinking water and cleaning teeth. Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Children should take bottled or cooled boiled water to school.

Deputy general manager Andrew Crakanthorp said council was working hard to resolve the issue.

“The situation is in hand and Council is working closely with NSW Public Health to resolve it as quickly as possible given the obvious inconvenience to residents in Darlington Point,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone for their cooperation and understanding with the necessity for a Boil Water Alert and council apologises for any inconvenience.”

The alert will be lifted once the water quality has returned to a level suitable for safe consumption. For the latest update on the warning check the Murrumbidgee Council Facebook page.