RESIDENTS of Whitemark on Flinders Island have been advised not to drink or cook with their tap water because of lead contamination.
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In a letter circulated to the town's 170 residents yesterday, Ben Lomond Water said that routine testing had revealed a high level of lead in the drinking water reticulation system.
``The levels of lead detected have varied across the town and between tests,'' said the letter, sent out by Ben Lomond chief executive Barry Cash.
``However, quite a large number have been above the guideline value established in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Boiling of water does not remove the elevated lead.''
Lead can be toxic when ingested or inhaled, especially for children and pregnant women.
However, Ben Lomond Water advised that there was no concern about using the water to shower or bathe.
Many Whitemark residents have their own alternative sources of drinking water, but for those who rely on the reticulation system, Ben Lomond Water and the Flinders Council have installed a tank where water can be obtained free.
This water still needs to be boiled.
Mr Cash said Ben Lomond was working in full consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services.
He said that the cause of the elevated lead levels was likely to be fittings within the reticulation.