Thousands of Victorians were urged overnight to boil their tap water before drinking, following the discovery of a dead rodent in the Shoreham Reservoir.
The warning was issued just before midnight AEDT after the carcass was found during a routine maintenance inspection.
Water testing and investigations are underway, and residents in Flinders, Point Leo, and Shoreham have been advised to boil their tap water before consumption. The same advice applies to drinking water for livestock and pets.
The warning explained that while E. coli itself is not always harmful, its presence indicates possible contamination with other germs that could cause illness. Low water pressure and interruptions to the supply can lead to bacterial build-up, increasing the risk of illness such as diarrhoea, cramps, and headaches.
Vulnerable groups, including infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, are particularly at risk. Bottled water remains safe to drink.
Boiled and bottled water should also be used for food preparation, cleaning fruit and vegetables, making ice, preparing baby formula, and brushing teeth. Drinking water is available at the Flinders Civic Hall and Shoreham Recreation Reserve.
Stock levels are expected to be affected, and a further update will be issued by 5pm AEDT today, or earlier if the situation changes. Residents can stay informed through the VicEmergency website or by calling the hotline at 1800 226 226.
