Residents of the NSW Central Coast have received confirmation that their water supply is now safe to drink, following a previous advisory to boil tap water due to the detection of E. coli bacteria. The Central Coast Council had issued a “boil water alert” after recent water samples indicated possible contamination. The affected areas included Terrigal, North Avoca, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, MacMasters Beach, Picketts Valley, Erina, Erina Heights, and Kincumber.
In a subsequent update, the council assured residents that the alert has been lifted, and the water supply is safe for consumption. E. coli presence in drinking water can signify potential faecal contamination, posing risks of gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. More severe cases may lead to urinary tract infections, pneumonia in infants, meningitis, and cholecystitis.
The community is urged to monitor their health for any symptoms related to E. coli, while expressing relief that the water quality issue has been resolved promptly.