An estimated 3500 homes north of Brisbane are being warned to boil drinking water before consumption, with concerns held that water quality could be compromised.
Seqwater and Unitywater said on Monday evening that for the next 24 hours maintenance would be carried out at the water treatment plant and associated infrastructure, which supplies residents in Petrie and Old Petrie Town.
![Residents in Petrie and Old Petrie Town are being warned to boil drinking water for the next 24 hours due to health concerns.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170607054245im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/8/n/m/0/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gwkzsn.png/1496715454575.jpg)
Unitywater executive manager infrastructure services Rob Dowling said the first batch of test results were due to come through at 2pm on Tuesday.
But he told ABC Radio Brisbane multiple tests would be needed to confirm the water was safe to drink again.
The situation would be "highly likely" to continue for most of the day, he said.
Unitywater was flushing the mains in the area and supplying water from an alternative reservoir, with regular samples also being taken to monitor the water quality.
Free bottled water was available for affected residents from the Petrie water treatment plant site at the western end of Woonara Drive. Unitywater's mobile hydration station will also be available for residents to fill water bottles from 5.30pm.
Residents should use cooled boiled water or bottled water for:
- Drinking
- Brushing teeth
- Washing and preparing food or beverages
- Preparing baby formula
- Making ice
- Bathing infants
Unboiled drinking water can be used for:
- Showering and bathing other than infants (but minimise water in the mouth)
- Washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher, provided dishes are air-dried
- Washing clothes
- Flushing toilets
Consuming unboiled drinking water could lead to illness, especially for vulnerable people such as the young, elderly or immune-compromised.
Concerned residents should contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), a local doctor or local hospital.
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