TasWater spokeswoman Sophie Murphy said the high levels of lead in the bore water supply were found during a routine testing this month.

A retest still found the levels to be well above the amount allowed by Australian drinking water guidelines.

Ms Murphy said TasWater had therefore switched to using the Winnaleah Irrigation Scheme to supply the town with water, but for residents there would not be much change.

"They should have always been boiling water and can continue to do that," she said.

She said the water may taste a bit different to usual, but was safe to drink after it was boiled.

Residents were told about the change at a community meeting last Friday.

TasWater will continue to check the bore water supply lead levels and will inform the community about any changes when more data and a clearer picture of the problem is determined.

Pioneer and Avoca residents are still on a "do not consume alert".

Pioneer residents have been on the alert since November 2012 when lead was found in the bore water supply.

Avoca residents have also been on the alert since the same time after cadmium and lead were found.

Safe drinking water is available for Avoca residents at three tanks.