Update – Boil Advisory – Inverloch

Monday, March 7th, 2022

South Gippsland Water advises all Inverloch residents the Boil Water Advisory currently in place is likely to last at least until Wednesday 9 March 2022.

All Inverloch residents are advised to boil water until further notice.

South Gippsland Water’s Managing Director Philippe du Plessis said the discovery of three deceased birds and sediment in the Inverloch clear water storage tank late on Friday led to the advisory being issued.

“The presence of the birds indicated the potential for contamination, and in the interests of public safety we issued a Boil Water Advisory Notice on Friday evening. It’s not something we do lightly, but as a precaution, alongside the Department of Health, we felt it necessary.”

“I want to reassure the community that we are undertaking comprehensive water quality testing.”

South Gippsland Water formed an Incident Management Team on Friday and immediately commenced an operational plan to reinstate the water supply.

Mr Du Plessis said the plan involved flushing and cleaning of the Inverloch water tank and flushing of the water reticulation system.

“This commenced first thing Saturday and continued across the weekend. Once this operational cleaning is finalised, which should be later today (Monday 7 March 2022), we need to have two days of water quality results that are compliant with standards. We then discuss with the Department of Health to have the advisory lifted.”

Communication to customers took place via a variety of means including the Vic Emergency App, social media platforms, print, radio and television, direct emails and SMS to customers.

Mr Du Plessis also thanked the community groups who have assisted during this time.

“Community groups like Inverloch Probus and our U3A and their networks have been vitally important in spreading information to at risk customers. Bass Coast Shire Council and Bass Coast Health have also assisted us greatly,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank all of Inverloch, businesses and residents, for their patience during this unexpected event.

“Many of our staff gave up their weekend to try and return our customers to a normal service as soon as possible. I’d like to thank them all for their tireless efforts, commitment and care for our communities.”

For more go to our website www.sgwater.com.au or call our friendly customer service team on 1300 851 636.