December 16, 2016
The “boil water” alert for Blackbutt and Benarkin is still in place, but the South Burnett Regional Council hopes it may be able to give an “all clear” by Monday.
A spokesperson said Council routinely monitored town water supplies for the presence of E coli.
“Council was notified by the independent laboratory in Brisbane that analyses the samples that a sample from Muller Park in Blackbutt had tested positive for E coli.
“As a precaution, Queensland Health has asked Council to issue the ‘Boil Water’ alert.
“Council is conducting regular checks throughout the Blackbutt and Benarkin water networks to make sure that there is chlorine throughout the system and is also flushing water through the mains at different points to ensure that there is turnover within the system.”
The spokesperson said samples had been sent to the laboratory on Thursday afternoon.
More samples were to be taken on Friday, however laboratory results may not be available until Monday (December 19).
“From when the laboratory receives the samples, it takes up to 24 hours for the test to be completed,” Council Water and Wastewater manager Nerida Airs said.
“I’m hoping to receive the all-clear over the weekend, however it may take until Monday to have confirmed results.
“Residents do not need to panic.
“We are making sure that there is adequate chlorine in the water for disinfection, but boiling before drinking it adds another layer of protection until we receive the all-clear from the laboratory.”
- External link: More information on E coli
- Related article: E coli in Blackbutt, Benarkin Water
