Published On
04/02/2025Boil Water Alert LIFTED.
Updated 2:48pm Wednesday 5 February 2025
We are pleased to report that new testing results taken from Terrigal Reservoir system, have confirmed that there is no E. coli bacteria present in the water supply.
As a result, Council in consultation with NSW Health, have lifted the Boil Water Alert.
Councils thorough investigations and further testing validated by an independent NATA-accredited laboratory, have confirmed that the water supply is safe.
The precautionary Boil Water Alert was issued on Tuesday 4 February for Terrigal, North Avoca, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Erina, Erina Heights, and Kincumber.
We thank the community for their patience and cooperation.
Updated 10:56am Wednesday 5 February 2025
BOIL WATER ALERT REMAINS IN PLACE – Users of water supply in Terrigal, North Avoca, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Erina, Erina Heights and Kincumber are advised to boil water prior to consumption.
Water testing has revealed that the water supply to these areas has potentially been compromised. As a precaution, whilst further investigations are being undertaken, the Boil Water Alert has been issued.
The Boil Water Alert issued by Council yesterday remains in place.
Recent samples have detected the presence of E. coli bacteriato, and further testing to validate the result is underway. NSW Health has been alerted.
As soon as more information is known, further communications will be issued. We anticipate an update by 3.30pm Wed 5 February 2025.
Recent samples have detected the presence of E. coli bacteria, and further testing to validate the result is underway. NSW Health has been alerted.
Council’s priority is community safety. Residents and businesses are advised until further notice:
Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil. Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.
Immune compromised people should be especially vigilant.
People caring for young children, should be careful to avoid scalding, when you are heating and then cooling the water.
Tap water is safe for bathing. There is a potential risk if water is swallowed during washing and bathing. Parents and carers could consider a sponge bath for children as an alternative.
It is important the community acts on the advice provided by Central Coast Council to keep boiling their water.
We will continue to update the community on the situation.
For further information is available on NSW Health’s webpage: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/boil-water-alert-…
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The Boil Water Alert and the lifting of it was communicated to the community through multiple channels, including direct liaison with vulnerable customers and stakeholders in the affected areas. We thank the many community members that have shared our social media post.
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The Boil Water Alert was issued at 6.28pm, 4 February 2025 6.28pm. The Alert was LIFTED at 3pm on 5 February following thorough investigation and testing confirmation that the water supply is safe to drink.
Boil Water Alerts are generally in place for 24-72 hours, dependant on results investigations and further testing.
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There was an initial detection of E. Coli in the Terrigal Reservoir water, however after further robust testing and investigation at multiple sites, the final test results proved a false positive. Testing is required under regulatory requirements and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
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There are a number of factors that may impact a test result and as such testing protocol incudes two (2) levels of testing analysis which can take up to 18 hours. Until we had the definitive results, we had to assume the result is real and respond accordingly in the interest of Public Health.
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The NATA accredited laboratory has confirmed on Wednesday 5 February 2025 that E. coli is not present. Council consulted with NSW Health who advised we were able to lift the Boil Water Alert.
Council will continue to do testing and work with NSW Health under our requirements to ensure safe drinking water for the community.
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Tap water is safe for bathing. There is a potential risk if water is swallowed during washing and bathing. Parents and carers could consider a sponge bath for children as an alternative.
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Only the following suburbs receive water from the potentially affected water supply. Terrigal, MacMasters Beach, North Avoca, Avoca Beach, Picketts Valley, Copacabana, Erina, Erina Heights and Kincumber.
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Anyone who is feeling unwell should seek medical advice.
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Australian Drinking Water Guidelines apply to water for human consumption. People may prefer to provide boiled water to their pets as a precaution. This would be a personal preference.