Boil Water Alert Lifted – Burdekin Falls Dam

Update 2 – Friday, 21 February 2025, 5:19pm

Drinking water alert lifted in Burdekin Falls Dam

Sunwater advises all residents and visitors at Burdekin Falls Dam that tap water used for drinking is now safe to consume. This notice applies to all residents and visitors to the Burdekin Falls Dam area from 21 February 2025.

There is no longer a public health concern over the quality of drinking water, and it is now considered safe for all typical uses including drinking, preparing food and beverages, personal washing, dishwashing, laundry purposes and flushing toilets.

The investigation into the E. coli detection indicated that it was likely due to accidental contamination of water samples during collection. However, re-sampling has confirmed that the water is safe to consume without boiling.

For enquiries, please contact customer support on 13 15 89, Monday – Friday between 8:30am – 4:30pm; or email customersupport@sunwater.com.au.

Update 1 – Wednesday, 19 February 2025, 12:43pm

Burdekin Falls Dam residents and visitors advised to boil drinking water 

Sunwater advises all residents and visitors at Burdekin Falls Dam to boil tap water used for drinking following a detection of E. coli affecting the Burdekin Falls Dam potable water supply.

This alert applies to all residents and visitors to Burdekin Falls Dam from 19 February 2025.

Sunwater is currently investigating the detection and will notify when the water supply has been confirmed as safe. Bottled water is available for collection from the Sunwater office.

The boil water alert will stay in effect until Sunwater is confident there is no public health concern. Regular updates will be provided.

Consuming unboiled drinking water could lead to illness, especially for vulnerable people (e.g. those who are very young, elderly or those with weak immune systems). If you believe the water has made you sick, contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), your local doctor or hospital and advise them of your concerns.

People should use cooled boiled water or bottled water for:

• drinking
• brushing teeth
• preparing and cooking foods
• washing raw foods such as fruit and vegetables
• preparing beverages and making ice
• preparing baby formula
• sponge-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
• washing clothes
• flushing toilets

People should bring drinking water to a rolling boil and then allow water to cool before using it or storing it in a clean, closed container for later use.

Kettles with automatic cut-off switches are suitable for producing boiled water. Variable temperature kettles should be set to boil.

For enquiries, please contact customer support on 13 15 89, Monday – Friday between 8:30am – 4:30pm; or email customersupport@sunwater.com.au.