Terrigal E. coli Alert: 50K Residents Boil Water

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E. coli bacteria detected in Terrigal Reservoir sparked an urgent boil water alert affecting 50,000 NSW Central Coast residents across nine suburbs.

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Central Coast Council chief David Farmer labeled the initial test result as "rogue" and immediately isolated the contaminated reservoir from the water network.

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Local grocery stores experienced a surge in bottled water sales, with one Kincumber store selling triple their daily average within hours.

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Resident Leigh Rijff reported falling ill with symptoms including hot flushes, sweating, and stomach issues after consuming tap water in Copacabana.

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Council advised residents to boil water before consumption, with special precautions for young children and immune-compromised individuals.

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Animal intrusion into the reservoir emerged as a potential cause for the E. coli contamination, requiring removal and chlorination treatment.

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Independent laboratory testing confirmed water safety within 24 hours, leading to the boil water alert's cancellation at 2:48 PM on Wednesday.

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The affected areas included Terrigal, Erina, Erina Heights, Kincumber, Avoca Beach, North Avoca, Copacabana, MacMasters Beach, and Picketts Valley.

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