10I   Closure of water supply

(1)  This section applies to water in, or flowing from, any source if:

(a)  the water is drinking water and the Minister has reason to suspect that the water is not fit for human consumption, or

(b)  the Minister suspects on reasonable grounds that the water constitutes (or is likely to constitute) a risk to public health.

(2)  The Minister may take such action, and give such directions by notice in writing to any person or class of persons, as the Minister considers necessary:

(a)  to restrict or prevent the use of any water to which this section applies, and

(b)  to bring the water to such a condition that it is no longer unfit for human consumption or a risk (or a likely risk) to public health.

(3)  Before giving a direction under this section to any of the suppliers of drinking water referred to in the following paragraphs (or to any person who treats or supplies water on behalf of the supplier), the Minister is to consult with the Minister specified in respect of the supplier:

(a)  Sydney Water Corporation—the Minister administering the Water Board (Corporatisation) Act 1994,

(b)  Hunter Water Corporation—the Minister administering the Hunter Water Board (Corporatisation) Act 1991,

(c)  a Water Supply Authority within the meaning of the Water Supply Authorities Act 1987—the Minister administering that Act,

(d)  a local council or a county council that supplies water under the Local Government Act 1993—both the Minister administering that Act and the Minister administering the Water Supply Authorities Act 1987.

(4)  A person given a direction under this section must comply with it as and when required by the direction.

Maximum penalty: 10,000 penalty units (in the case of a corporation) or 2,500 penalty units (in any other case).