Residents in the northern Tasmanian town of Bracknell have been placed under a boil water advisory after E. coli was detected in the local water supply.
TasWater issued the alert on Thursday, warning it could remain in place for up to seven days.
The utility is working with the Department of Health to identify the source of the contamination and resolve the issue.
Residents have been advised to boil all water used for drinking, brushing teeth, food preparation, baby formula and making ice until further notice.
Unboiled water can still be used for showering, washing dishes and laundry.
However, TasWater has warned people to avoid swallowing water while bathing.
As a precaution, babies and toddlers should be sponge bathed.
TasWater said dishes washed in unboiled water must be air-dried before use.
“The advisory will be in effect until TasWater and the Department of Health are confident that there is no longer a public health concern,” a spokesperson said.
Follow-up testing is underway, with residents to be updated as results become available.
Anyone concerned they may have consumed contaminated water is urged to contact their GP or the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
