05-08-2025
Urgent warning to Frankston South residents to stop drinking ‘contaminated' tap water
Residents in a Melbourne suburb have been warned to switch to bottled water or boil their tap water before drinking it due to a drop in pressure.
On Sunday, South East Water issued a boil water advisory to residents in parts of Frankston South after the tap water was found not safe for drinking.
Residents in the boundaries of Baden Powell Drive back to the foreshore, between Humphries Rd and Violet St, are affected by the drop in water pressure.
Affected customers have been notified via SMS and email, SE Water said in a statement.
The warning was issued due to a drop in water pressure in the Frankston South network that can cause dirty water and sediment to flow through the pipes.
'When water pressure is low, it means the water isn't flowing strongly through the pipes,' the company said.
Until the issue has been sorted, residents have been told to boil their tap water before consuming it to kill all bacteria and contaminants that may be inside.
Those who have ingested the water may experience gastro-like symptoms, including diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
'While we undertake some water testing and investigations, we've issued this advisory to make sure the local tap water is safe to drink,' the SE Water statement read.
'We're advising you to boil your water before drinking, mixing cold beverages, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth and gargling.'
Families have been advised to sponge-bath their babies and toddlers to prevent them from swallowing water.
'It's still safe to use unboiled water to flush toilets, wash dishes and clothes, and water the garden,' the statement read.
Pet owners have also been advised to provide cooled-down boiled water until the boil water advisory has been lifted.
Residents have been told water filter systems will not make the tap water safe to drink, as they are 'not designed to remove microbiological contamination from an unsafe water supply'.
