Urgent warning for thousands in Victoria to 'not drink tap water'

Thousands of Victorian residents have been warned not to drink their tap water over fears it is polluted.

The Victorian Department of Health said people who live or work in Kallista, Sherbrooke or The Patch, east of Melbourne, should avoid drinking the water until further notice and are warned boiling it will not remove potential contaminants.

Vic Emergency says on its website the warning was issued after an equipment failure at a Yarra Valley Water drinking tank following severe weather that hit the state last week.

As a result there are fears potentially unsafe water could be entering the drinking water system and taps.

The advice is expected to be in place for at least three days.

People in these three areas are warned not to use the tap for the following reasons until Yarra Valley Water can guarantee it is safe:

• Drinking

• Preparing beverages

• Washing and preparing food

• Preparing baby formula

• Brushing teeth

• Making ice

"Special care should be taken to not ingest the water when bathing or showering," the Vic Emergency warning says.

"People in suburbs NOT listed can use their water as usual, it is safe."

Emergency water is available for people who cannot drink from their taps but they will need to bring their own bottles, pots, kettles or other container to fill up from the tankers.

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People can access emergency water at the Patch Hall and the Kallista Public Hall.

"Yarra Valley Water are working to ensure that emergency drinking water is available to those who need it," the warning states.

People in the areas are urged to inform their neighbours and to contact their GP if they feel unwell.

Anybody requiring assistance should contact Yarra Valley Water on 13 27 62.

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