Council advises that consumers in the Orchid Valley area should boil drinking water until further notice.

Customers should bring water to a boil by heating the water until a continuous and rapid stream of air-bubbles is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle. Kettles with automatic cut-off switches are suitable. Variable temperature kettles should be set to boil.

After heating, water must be allowed to cool before using it, and be stored in a clean, closed container for later use. Care should be taken to avoid scalding injuries.

Customers should boil all water used for:

DrinkingBrushing teethWashing and preparing food or beveragesPreparing baby formulaMaking ice

Unboiled water can be used for:

Showering and bathing (avoid swallowing water). As a precaution babies and toddlers should be sponge bathed to prevent them swallowing waterWashing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher, providing dishes are air-dried before being used after washingWashing clothes

Cairns Regional Council apologises for any inconvenience and will provide updates as they become available.