'Boil your water or risk gastro-like symptoms': Drinking water compromised in two Victorian towns

Residents in two Victorian towns have been warned to boil their drinking water or risk vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

The safety of the drinking water in Kyneton and Malmsbury, in the Macedon Ranges, was compromised after a water main burst about 1am on Tuesday, resulting in low pressure in the water system.

A health alert was issued to advise residents to boil any water being used to drink, prepare food or beverages, brush teeth, freeze for ice or to make baby formula to avoid "gastro-like symptoms".

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Water needs to be brought to a rolling boil "until a continuous and rapid stream of air-bubbles is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle".

"After heating, water must be allowed to cool before using it," Coliban Water said.

"It can then be stored in a clean, closed container for later use."

Kettles with automatic cut-off switches will boil water enough for it to be safe, but variable temperature kettles need to be set to boil.

"Care should be taken to avoid scalding injuries especially around children," the warning read.

Unboiled can be used for washing hands, clothing, and dishes, but dishes should be dry before use.

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It's also safe for toilet flushing and gardening use.

Showering or bathing in the water is fine as long as you don't ingest any.

Coliban water has not advised how long the measures need to be taken to avoid "gastro-like symptoms".

Gastro is known to cause symptoms including vomiting, watery diarrhoea, nausea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches.

Anyone suffering these symptoms who have already consumed unboiled water in the area are urged to contact a doctor.

Residents can access safe drinking water at Kyneton Showgrounds and Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.

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