In a public notice released by Ben Lomond Water, Pioneer residents were told that their water was unsuitable to drink after tests detected the lead.

The notice said a temporary water supply had been established at the Pioneer Hall while Ben Lomond ``undertook community consultation and further investigation''.

``We believe the lead may be caused by sediment in the pipes and we will shortly commence an air scouring program. This will result in a deterioration of water quality in the short term,'' the notice said.

According to the Health and Human Services Department, lead exposure ``can result in a wide range of health problems, most seriously in children and pregnant women''. 

A public notice was also released for Avoca after cadmium and lead were detected in its water.

``A temporary water supply has been established at the local hall while we undertake community consultation to determine a longer term solution,'' the notice said.

According to the Health and Human Services Department, ``ingesting cadmium may cause health problems if taken in large amounts over a long time''. 

Ben Lomond Water will hold public meetings at Pioneer Hall today from 6.30pm and at Avoca Memorial Hall tomorrow from 6.30pm.