That's the warning from Warren Shire Council in their recent media campaign to help in protecting community health and safety by educating residents about the dangers of water meter disconnection.

In October 2016, a worker in Queensland suffered a fatal electric shock while cutting a metal water pipe to repair a leak. Two similar incidents have occurred in NSW since 2005.

These types of incidents are usually caused by a fault in the electricity supply on the premises or in the street which causes the metal pipes to become 'live'. When the pipe is cut or disconnected the worker can get a serious or fatal electric shock.

Everyone knows water and electricity doesn't mix and Warren Shire Council are adamant residents MUST report any water meter issues to Council, warning that self-disconnection can result in electrocution, serious injury or death.

"Council staff are trained to manage water meter disconnection, repair and replacement," a council spokesperson said. "This can only be done safely by trained staff who are wearing the correct PPE and following approved WHS procedures."

Council advises residents to not handle water sources or disconnect their water meters under any circumstances. Attempting to do so, whether there is a suspected electrical fault or not, is extremely dangerous and should only be done by trained professionals.

"Council's Water and Sewer team regularly undergo extensive training in order to be equipped to handle the risks associated with water main repairs and replacement. This ensures they have the knowledge to identify potential hazards on the job and can respond accordingly using safe work procedures and specialised safety equipment," Warren Shire Council stated in a media release.

Electrical faults can not only pose a major risk when handling water sources, but can cause other problems such as housefires. It's important that residents keep an eye out for signs of possible faults or issues in order to nip potential hazards in the bud.

Indicators of potential trouble include a tingling feeling when touching pipes, dead amphibians or insects in the vicinity or patches of dead grass in the affected area.

Warren Shire Council said that should a fault or issue with your water meter be detected, residents need to contact Council on 6847 6600 so that the Shire's trained Water and Sewer team can come and safely rectify the issue.

If you think there is an electrical problem in your home or business, contact Essential Energy ASAP at 13 20 80 to come and check for potential faults.