Do not use water advisory issued for part of Langs Road, Ascot Vale

Following consultation with the Department of Health, Greater Western Water (GWW) has advised 33 customers on Langs Road from Epsom Road to Chauvel Street, Ascot Vale to not use tap water.

A GWW field team was inspecting a burst water pipe when they noticed potential contamination in the water. As a precaution, water to the affected area has been shut off.

At this stage, GWW believes the incident may have been caused by nearby construction activity, with potential contaminants entering the drinking water system.

We’ve been door knocking the area this afternoon and continue to be on site into this evening. Alternative provisions of water have been made available to affected customers including bottled water on site.

We’re working to return the supply to normal and working closely with the Department of Health to resolve this issue.

The following information has been issued to affected customers:

Greater Western Water, following consultation with the Department of Health advises that customers do not use tap water in the following location:

• Langs Road from Epsom Road to Chauvel Street, Ascot Vale

This advice has been issued following a burst water main in Langs Road, chemical residues from inside a water tanker may have impacted our water network with potentially unsafe water entering the drinking water system and customers taps. 

As a precaution, we have shut off water to the affected area.

The water is not suitable for drinking or using.

While this ‘do not use tap water’ advisory is in place, you are requested not to use the tap water for: 

• drinking (including pets)
• preparing beverages 
• washing and preparing food 
• preparing baby formula 
• brushing teeth 
• making ice 
• showering. 

Boiling water will not remove chemical contaminants. 

What we are doing

Our teams are working around the clock to return your water supply to normal, however potential contaminated water may still be present in the affected pipeline.  

We are working closely with the Department of Health to resolve this issue, including flushing the watermain and taking water samples.

What do we need you to do?

We will need to access your property to flush your internal systems.  One of our team will contact you directly to run your external water taps, and conduct further testing, if required.

We expect this advisory to be in place until further notice.

Customers not included in the above area can use their water as usual – it is safe. 

Emergency drinking water is available

We will have free bottled water available from our team on site.

Customers are advised to purchase bottled water from their local supermarket if unable to collect water from us.

If you have special needs and require assistance, please contact us immediately on 13 44 99.

What to do if you feel unwell

If you are feeling unwell, please contact your GP and advise your GP about this advisory.