North East Water

North East Water has issued a Boil Water Notice for Whitfield after recent rain increased turbidity levels in Musk Gully Creek.

The Corporation says the amount of turbidity is beyond the level where disinfection can be guaranteed.

"Currently the Whitfield Reservoir is not usable because of an algae problem, so we?ve been supplying the township directly from the creek," Operations Manager, Fiona Smith, said.

"While the recent rain has been welcome, it has stirred up dirt and organic matter in the creek, which compromises the water treatment plant?s capacity to disinfect the water."

Ms Smith said the Boil Water Notice was a precautionary measure ahead of more rain expected over the weekend.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and review the requirement for a Boil Water Notice through the next week.  We will notify customers when the Boil Water Notice is lifted." she said.

Under a Boil Water Notice, customers are advised to bring water to a rolling boil before using it for drinking, food preparation, ice making and brushing teeth.

Meanwhile, North East Water has placed a tanker of chlorinated water in the park next to the CFA shed for residents to access free of charge.