Melbourne Water - workers fall ill from recycled water ...

The water in question was not fit for human consumption. However, if you can't trust the people running the water company to ensure the quality of their own water, what chance do residents in the suburbs have?

Excerpt from ABC News:

Workers fall ill from unsafe water

20 March 2007

At least 12 Melbourne Water workers have fallen ill after recycled water not fit for human consumption was mistakenly piped to a drinking tap at one of the authority's offices.

The treated recycled water was accidentally connected to a drinking tap in an administration building at the Eastern Treatment Plant at Bangholme, in Melbourne's south, for several weeks before the error was discovered yesterday.

In a media statement, the plant's manager, Mike Smith, said workers had been affected by gastro-intestinal illnesses.

"We became aware of the problem yesterday and immediately switched off the supply," he said.

"I have personally notified employees who had access to the water and we are providing them with expert medical advice."

It's believed the treated water had been piped to the tap since March 1.

The Department of Human Services is investigating how the major plumbing error occurred.

Twenty-five staff and contractors work at the treatment plant, Mr Smith said.

See - Recycled water stuff ups continue.