THOUSANDS of Launceston and Hobart residents will be forced to boil their drinking water until at least Wednesday because of a mystery E.coli bacteria outbreak.
The homes in West Launceston, Summerhill, Kings Meadows, Montagu Bay and Rosny have been advised by the Department of Health, Ben Lomond Water and Southern Water that the E.coli was detected during routine testing.
The harmful faecal bacteria, which can cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea, is normally killed during a disinfectant process.
It is still a mystery how the identical drinking water breaches occurred at the same time at different ends of the state and residents expressed their frustration yesterday.
It is also a further embarrassment for the State Government and the recently announced water and sewerage reforms with residents receiving water bills up to 10 per cent dearer than last year.
Another infection of Labor’s leprous touch? HERE
Sue Neales, Mercury:
A leader under siege
A Forest of Controversy
Dave’s view: HERE
