August 10 2022: Langs Road Ascot Vale, Melbourne

Do not use’: The Melburnians told to stop using tap water amid contamination scare

August 10 2022: Langs Road Ascot Vale, Melbourne

Do not use’: The Melburnians told to stop using tap water amid contamination scare (Globeecho.com)

Dozens of residents in Melbourne’s north west have been left without water for days after they were told it had been contaminated and shut off without warning.

Some 33 customers on Langs Road, Ascot Vale had their water supply turned off by Greater Western Water on Tuesday, after the water was declared unsafe to drink, cook with or even shower with.

Greater Western Water’s Maree Lang said the residents had been issued a “do not use” notice.

The decision was made in consultation with the Health Department after Greater Western Water noticed potential contamination in the water of a burst pipe they were inspecting.

It’s believed a truck taking water from the burst pipe accidentally pumped some back in, potentially causing the contamination.

Resident Joshua Marmara told 7NEWS it was frustrating they weren’t given some sort of heads up on what was happening.

“It’d be really nice if they told us from the outset, you know just an email, even a call, doesn’t matter if it’s early in the morning, just something to communicate,” he said.

The Ascot Vale Leisure Centre and Ascot Vale West Primary School have also been affected by the halted water supply.

Impacted residents have been offered free accommodation at a nearby hotel until the issue is resolved, however, it is not yet clear when the water will be turned back on.