Dubbo Regional Council, in consultation with NSW Health, issued the alert on Thursday afternoon and immediately activated its public health response plan for residents.

The alert was issued due to high turbidity after recent heavy downpours and storms that continue to affect the water quality.

Information leaflets have been delivered to households in a doorknocking blitz and posters have been displayed in the town.

Special bottled water supplies will be delivered to Geurie Public School.

Residents are advised to boil water used for:

Unboiled water may be used for showering and bathing - although residents should minimise the amount of water going into their mouths. Babies and toddlers should be sponged bathed as a precaution.

Boiled water is also not needed when washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher provided dishes are air-dried before being used after washing or for washing clothes.

Water should be boiled for at least one minute or residents can buy commercially sold water for drinking.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

The town's water filling station has been temporarily closed and token holders can use the station at Wellington.

Geurie residents are asked to limit water usage while the Boiled Water Alert is in place and until the quality of flows from the town's treatment plant returns to NSW Health standards.

Anyone who consumed the water before hearing of the alert is at a low risk of becoming sick. However, anyone with a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting should seek medical attention.

Regular updates will be provided through the Dubbo Regional Council website and social media.