RESIDENTS in the Lightning Ridge community are being advised to boil their water over the next week after E-Coli was detected in a recent water sample.

The alert about the contamination came from Walgett Shire Council earlier today (18 May) based on a sample taken on Monday 16 May.

According to a statement from Walgett Shire Council General Manager Michael Urquhart, council staff are working to identify the problem and the reservoir will be super chlorinated today.

"Flushing of the mains around the town will take place over the next couple of days," Mr Urquhart said.

"(In the meantime), water for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil. Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.

"Council apologises to the residents for any inconvenience being caused during this time."

Based on initial conversations with local residents, the App understands that water supply contaminations in Lightning Ridge are not uncommon, and occur around twice a year.

Further testing on the town water supply will be carried out on Monday 23 May and council will inform residents of the results as soon as they are available.

Council must prove at least three tests of the local drinking water adheres to the Australian drinking water standard before the boil water alert can be lifted.

For further information about the boil water alert, residents are encouraged to contact council's Water and Sewerage Project Officer Kesh Dharmasena on 6828 6100.