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Residents warned to boil water over E. coli fears


Tasmanians need to boil their drinking water after the state’s water authority found the bacteria Eschericha coli during routine sampling.

Customers in South Hobart serviced by the Arthur Street Water Supply are affected after one of several samples taken from areas across south, west and north Hobart contained E Coli, while the others met Australian guidelines.

Residents in South Hobart are being told to boil their water before drinking it due to concerns of E Coli. File pic. Source: Getty Images
Residents in South Hobart are being told to boil their water before drinking it due to concerns of E Coli. File pic. Source: Getty Images

TasWater and the state’s health department put out the warning on Wednesday evening with follow-up tests being undertaken to investigate the possible source of contamination.

It also warned drinking unboiled water could lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

But unboiled water can still be used for showering and bathing along with washing clothes.

The warning will remain in place until authorities are satisfied there is no longer a public health concern.