Tap water ‘unsafe to drink’ after rodent found in Victorian reservoir

Residents on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula have been told to boil their tap water before drinking after a dead rodent was discovered in a reservoir.

The find was made in the Shoreham Reservoir during a maintenance inspection on Thursday.

People living in Flinders, Point Leo and Shoreham have been told their tap water is “not safe to drink” unless it has been boiled first.

It should also be boiled before being used to prepare food, make ice cubes and while brushing teeth.

The advice to parents of babies and toddlers is to sponge-bath them to reduce the risk they swallow the water.

Pets should be given water that has been boiled and cooled, or bottled water.

Victoria Emergency warned drinking the water could lead to diarrhoea, stomach pains, headaches or other gastro-like symptoms.

“Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and immuno-compromised people are particularly at risk,” the alert said.

The unboiled water can be used for washing hands, showering and bathing, as long as it is not swallowed, according to South East Water.

It is also safe for washing dishes, clothes and on gardens, the utility said.

Testing is underway and South East Water general manager of service delivery Tim Lloyd said “we’re sorry for the inconvenience”.

“As our water is such high quality, it only needs minimal chlorination. If undisinfected water enters the system, the risk to health is low,” Lloyd said.

“However, we’re issuing this boil water advisory notice as a precaution. Special care should be taken with young children, people whose immune system is compromised, and the elderly.”

Emergency drinking water is available for those who want it.

People feeling sick after drinking the water should visit their doctor.