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Residents In Fire Affected Areas Warned To Disconnect Water Tanks From Guttering Before Rain FallsResidents on tank water in fire affected areas have been warned to temporarily disconnect their rainwater tanks from their roof guttering prior to potential rainfall, By Latrobe City - 25th February 2009 - Back to News to avoid contaminating their water supply.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast some showers for the Latrobe Valley today and Saturday.
Latrobe City’s coordinator health services, Andrew Mackintosh, said residents who rely on tank water in a bushfire-affected area should be aware that their tank water could become contaminated from debris and ash or dead animals being flushed into their rainwater tank with the first fall of rain.
"Disconnecting your rainwater tank temporarily from the guttering will allow rain to flush unwelcome contaminants from the roof without placing your drinking water in jeopardy," Mr Mackintosh said.
"A physical inspection of the guttering is also recommended to ensure there are no unwelcome contaminants lodged there, which may endanger your water supply at a later time, once it is reconnected."
Residents should continue to monitor the quality of their tank water to determine if there are visual signs of change or any taste or odour problems.
"If there is any doubt about the quality of your tank water you should drink an alternative supply," Mr Mackintosh said.
Further information is available from the environmental health team at Latrobe City, telephone 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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