GWYDIR Shire Council has advised residents in Gravesend to boil water before use.

Council general manager Max Eastcott said the Gravesend water supply has been placed on a boil water alert as a precaution, due to the current turbidity of the Gwydir River which has the potential to make drinking water in Gravesend unsafe.

“This is estimated to be in place for two to three weeks, with the current weather conditions,” Mr Eastcott said.

Council advises Gravesend residents water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil.

“Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this,” Mr Eastcott said.

“Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.

“Bottled or cool boiled water should be used for drinking, washing uncooked food – salad vegetables and fruit for example – or making ice, cleaning teeth, gargling and pet’s drinking water,” he said.

Dishes should be washed in hot soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Children should take bottled or cool boiled water to school.

“If you cannot boil the water, unscented household bleach – containing 4-5 per cent available chlorine – may be used,” Mr Eastcott said.

“Add two drops of bleach to one litre of water, or four drops if the water is cloudy, mix well, and allow to stand for 30 minutes before use.”

Gwydir Shire Council is working to resolve the problem. This advice should be followed until further notice.

Meanwhile, the Gwydir River at Gravesend Road Bridge peaked at 7.28m at around 9am Sunday, with minor flooding.

At 5.30pm Sunday, the river level was 5.62m and falling.

The Gwydir River at Gravesend Road Bridge is expected to remain below the 6.1m minor flood level.