Council’s Environmental Health team advises the community to treat all floodwater as potentially contaminated.
Do not swim or play in floodwaters as it may contain bacteria, chemicals, logs, sharp items, and other hidden dangers.
You should also not swim in the ocean for 72 hours after heavy rain, and in rivers, creeks, and lakes for at least three days after the rain has stopped due to the potential for contaminants to be present. Even after these periods, you should look at the surrounding area for waste, logs, debris, oil and other hazards before entering the water.
If you have been in contact with floodwaters or items contaminated by floodwater, you should remove and wash contaminated clothes and items and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water.
During clean up you should:
- Always wear gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment.
- Dispose of all food (including frozen food) that has come in contact with floodwaters.
- If you have a septic tank that has been flooded, contact your service provider for advice.
- Have professionals check electrical work that has been impacted by floodwaters.
- Be aware of mosquitoes, empty buckets and stagnant water sources that can be used to breed mosquitoes and use a repellent with an active ingredient such as picaridin, DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wash your hands with soap and clean water regularly.
Contact your GP if you have any health concerns.