So…are you boiling your water yet? Authorities say you might need to
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Thousands of families in Melbourne were left stunned by a sudden health warning that turned everyday routines into a potential risk.
Tap water—once a given—was suddenly off-limits, with residents urged to boil it before doing anything from brushing teeth to bathing babies.
And no one yet knows exactly what went wrong.
The suburbs of Frankston and Frankston South, southeast of Melbourne, were thrown into uncertainty on Monday afternoon after a mysterious drop in water pressure triggered contamination concerns.
More than 1,100 homes were affected, with authorities warning the drop in pressure could allow bacteria and sediment to enter the water network.
Residents were urged not to drink, cook with, or brush their teeth using tap water unless it had been brought to a rolling boil first.
‘The tap water within the boundaries listed is not safe to drink without boiling first,’ VicEmergency announced.
The advisory also extended to bathing children, with parents advised to sponge bathe instead to prevent accidental ingestion.
South East Water managing director Lara Olsen explained the possible source of the hazard.
‘When there’s low pressure in the network then that can allow dirty water or sentiment to enter into it,’ she shared.
While the exact cause remained unknown, emergency measures were put in place.
Water rationing began, with each affected household allowed six bottles of water, and notifications were sent out via SMS and email.
In a statement, South East Water urged: ‘We’re advising you to boil your water before drinking, mixing cold beverages, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth and gargling.’
Residents were warned that consuming contaminated water could cause diarrhoea, cramps, headaches, or other gastro-like symptoms.
Particular concern was raised for vulnerable groups—including infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immuno-compromised people.
Pet owners were also advised to boil water for their animals until further notice.
South East Water began flushing the network and collecting water samples, but said the boil water advisory would remain until lab results confirm safety.
‘We’re doing water sampling at the moment and flushing the network,’ Olsen said.
‘We’ll need to wait for those lab results and make sure that we’ve got that information before we can lift the boil water advisory.’
South East Water confirmed that residents impacted by the emergency would be compensated.
Watch the full report below:
Source: Youtube/7NEWS Australia
If the safety of your tap water has you second-guessing everyday routines, you’re not alone.
Sometimes, the source of contamination isn’t the pipes—but what ends up inside your tank without you knowing.
Here’s another reminder of why regular water checks are so important.
Read more: Is your water tank safe? Aussie homeowners urged to check after shocking discovery
What would you do if your morning cup of tea suddenly came with a health warning?
Tap water—once a given—was suddenly off-limits, with residents urged to boil it before doing anything from brushing teeth to bathing babies.
And no one yet knows exactly what went wrong.
The suburbs of Frankston and Frankston South, southeast of Melbourne, were thrown into uncertainty on Monday afternoon after a mysterious drop in water pressure triggered contamination concerns.
More than 1,100 homes were affected, with authorities warning the drop in pressure could allow bacteria and sediment to enter the water network.
Residents were urged not to drink, cook with, or brush their teeth using tap water unless it had been brought to a rolling boil first.
Boil water alert issued in Frankston. Image source: Youtube/7NEWS Australia
‘The tap water within the boundaries listed is not safe to drink without boiling first,’ VicEmergency announced.
The advisory also extended to bathing children, with parents advised to sponge bathe instead to prevent accidental ingestion.
South East Water managing director Lara Olsen explained the possible source of the hazard.
‘When there’s low pressure in the network then that can allow dirty water or sentiment to enter into it,’ she shared.
While the exact cause remained unknown, emergency measures were put in place.
Water rationing began, with each affected household allowed six bottles of water, and notifications were sent out via SMS and email.
In a statement, South East Water urged: ‘We’re advising you to boil your water before drinking, mixing cold beverages, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth and gargling.’
Residents were warned that consuming contaminated water could cause diarrhoea, cramps, headaches, or other gastro-like symptoms.
Particular concern was raised for vulnerable groups—including infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immuno-compromised people.
Pet owners were also advised to boil water for their animals until further notice.
South East Water began flushing the network and collecting water samples, but said the boil water advisory would remain until lab results confirm safety.
‘We’re doing water sampling at the moment and flushing the network,’ Olsen said.
‘We’ll need to wait for those lab results and make sure that we’ve got that information before we can lift the boil water advisory.’
South East Water confirmed that residents impacted by the emergency would be compensated.
Watch the full report below:
Source: Youtube/7NEWS Australia
If the safety of your tap water has you second-guessing everyday routines, you’re not alone.
Sometimes, the source of contamination isn’t the pipes—but what ends up inside your tank without you knowing.
Here’s another reminder of why regular water checks are so important.
Read more: Is your water tank safe? Aussie homeowners urged to check after shocking discovery
What would you do if your morning cup of tea suddenly came with a health warning?
