It is recommended that from December 9th, the residents of Childers, Woodgate and surrounding areas supplied by the Gregory Water Treatment Plant boil the water first until further notice.

The affected locations are highlighted on the attached map.

Steve Johnston, chief executive of the Bundaberg Regional Council, said the recent rainfall incidents have caused high turbidity in the Gregory River.

“The water supplied to these communities comes from the Gregory River. The quality of this source water is very poor, which means that we cannot reliably purify the water,” said Mr. Johnston.

"As a precautionary measure, the city council requires all residents in the affected areas to boil water for drinking, brushing and gargle, preparing and cooking food, washing raw food such as fruits and vegetables, preparing drinks and ice, preparing infant formula and SpongeBob.

"Please make sure that all ice cubes, infant formula, juice, mixed drinks, or anything of this nature made before the boiled water recommendation is issued this morning are disposed of.

"Residents are also urged to share this alert with neighbors and friends to help us ensure that as many people as possible are aware of the need to boil water before drinking."

Mr. Johnston assured the affected communities that the city council’s water service team is prioritizing addressing these issues.

"We have been in contact with the Queensland Department of Health regarding the water quality of the Gregory River plant.

“The boiling water warning will remain until the City Council’s water team and Queensland Health are convinced that there are no more public health problems.”

Residents can get the latest status of the issue on the city council website bundaberg.qld.gov.au

During the boiling water alarm, residents are required to boil drinking water and then allow the water to cool down before use, or store it in a clean, airtight container for later use.

The kettle with automatic power-off switch is suitable for producing boiling water, and the variable-temperature kettle should be set to boiling.

Use cold boiled or bottled water: • Drink • Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth • Prepare and cook food • Wash raw foods such as fruits and vegetables • Prepare drinks and ice • Prepare infant formula • Bathe the baby.

Unboiled drinking water can be used for: • showering and bathing other than babies (to avoid water in the mouth) • washing dishes by hand or in the dishwasher, provided the dishes are air-dried • washing clothes • flushing the toilet.

Mr. Johnston said the city council is already working to replace the outdated water treatment facilities provided by the Gregory River.

"The new Gregory River Water Treatment Plant currently under construction will provide advanced treatment processes. If there is experience in the future, these processes will be able to treat the current water quality."

For updates, please visit bundaberg.qld.gov.au or call 1300 883 699 for more information.

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