The community was alerted to the contamination on Monday when Dubbo Regional Council issued a boil water alert for parts of North, Central and South Dubbo.

It urged people to use boiled or bottled water for human and animal consumption and personal hygiene, after the council detected E. coli and other coliforms in parts of the water supply in North Dubbo on Thursday.

“The safety of patients, visitors and staff in all facilities in Western NSW Local Health District, including Dubbo Hospital, is of our highest importance,” a Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) spokesperson said.

“To ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff at Dubbo Hospital, increased orders of bottled water, antibacterial hand wash and disposable bed bath kits have been ordered, and the operation of all ice machines in the facility has ceased.

“The provision of all surgical operations is unaffected by the boiled water alert.”

The spokesperson said the decision to issue the boil water alert was made in collaboration between the Public Health Unit (PHU) and the council.

“This is all in line with the NSW Health Drinking Water Monitoring Program,” the spokesperson said.

“If any problems or issues are identified with water quality, all key stakeholders, including the water supplier, the local Public Health Unit and NSW Health Water Unit, are consulted and a rapid decision made to issue a Boiled Water Alert.

“Many factors are considered when issuing a Boiled Water Alert, the most important consideration is the risk to human health.”

People are advised to use appropriately cooled boiled water or bottled water for sponge-bathing babies or young children.

Anyone concerned about their health should see their local GP or phone the 24-hour information line Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Anyone experiencing an emergency situation should present to their nearest Emergency Department or dial 000.