Connect Coliban
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating fires that impacted Harcourt and surrounding areas on Friday 9 January, and we stand with the local community as work begins to assess the damage, reinstate services, and rebuild lives and livelihoods.
Our team is focussed on restoring water infrastructure damaged during the fires. We are also supporting customers through door knocking, assisting at drinking water trailers, and providing help at the Mount Alexander Shire Recovery Hub.
On this page you will find the latest updates and information, answers to frequently asked questions, plus details of the support available to assist customers during the recovery period.
Due to the impact of the fires on water infrastructure, a Do Not Drink Advisory has been issued in consultation with the Department of Health.
Coliban Water customers in Harcourt and some areas south of Harcourt are advised not to drink the tap water until further notice (please click here to view the map of the areas impacted by the Do Not Drink Advisory).
Impacted properties are now receiving water through their taps. It is important you DO NOT drink the tap water or use it to prepare beverages, food, baby formula, ice, or to brush your teeth.
The water CAN be used to shower, wash your clothes, flush your toilet, and water your garden. Care must be taken not to ingest the water.
The latest information is available at coliban.com.au/interruptions and we will continue to update customers via SMS message and at emergency.vic.gov.au.
Drinking water trailers are available at:
You can fill your own drink bottles or other suitable containers here at any time. Please only take what you need. The trailers will remain in place until the Do Not Drink Advisory has been lifted.
We are working quickly to assess damage and complete repairs to the water supply network and infrastructure following the fires.
This work is substantial and we are assessing water mains, water meters, our network storages, sewage services, and communications.
We are also evaluating the potential impact of ash, debris, fire retardants, and other likely contaminants to the water quality.
A Do Not Drink Advisory is currently in place in Harcourt and some areas south of Harcourt until further notice.
There have been no impacts to drinking water quality caused by the bushfires in any other parts of our service region. The water supply network continues to operate as normal with no risk to water quality.
You can use this map to check if you are impacted.
All properties on town water within the red zone marked on the map are impacted by the Do Not Drink Advisory and should not drink the tap water until further advice.
When a Do Not Drink Advisory is in place, you are advised not to:
Boiling the tap water will not remove any potential contaminants that may have entered the water supply.
Yes, you can wash your clothes and shower in the water. However, you must take care not to ingest/drink the water.
If you have water supply:
Yes, you can flush your toilet.
If you have no water supply or intermittent supply:
You can use a bucket of water to flush your toilet. Fill the cistern at the back of the toilet and you should be able to flush.
Yes. It is safe to use the water on your garden, including vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
Please ensure vegetables are cleaned thoroughly during food preparation using fresh water.
Yes. Drinking water trailers are available at:
You can fill your own drink bottles or other suitable containers here at any time.
Please only take what you need.
The drinking water trailers will remain in place until the Do Not Drink Advisory is lifted.
Mount Alexander Shire Council has arranged access to shower and toilet facilities for impacted residents at Camp Reserve, 11 Forest Street, Castlemaine.
A water bubbler for drinking is also available here.
There are specific times these are open. Learn more here.
Impacted properties are now receiving water through their taps.
It is important you DO NOT drink the tap water or use it to prepare beverages, food, baby formula, ice, or to brush your teeth until further notice.
The water CAN be used to shower, wash your clothes, flush your toilet, and water your garden. Care must be taken not to ingest the water.
The latest information about the Do Not Drink Advisory is being provided at www.coliban.com.au/interruptions and on Facebook.
The fires in Harcourt did impact the Rural Supply Network (both channels and pipelines).
Debris, ash, dead animals, and fire retardants may have entered our open channels, impacting the quality of the water.
We will also assess the condition of our rural pipelines once it is safe to do so.
While we are working hard to ensure continuity of supply, the situation is likely to temporarily impact our ability to fill all rural orders as we assess water quality and determine next steps.
We are communicating with rural customers via SMS.
If you have questions, you can speak with our Rural Team directly on 1300 761 738 between 7am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday or email coliban@coliban.com.au.There is no impact to water quality for customers in Bendigo.
Since the end of 2024, most of Bendigo’s water has been drawn from Lake Eppalock.
Debris, ash, dead animals, and fire retardants may have entered parts of the Coliban Main Channel near Harcourt. Water in the Coliban Main Channel north of Harcourt is currently being diverted and is not being used for the Bendigo supply network.If you are in the fire-affected area, your water tanks may have been contaminated by debris, ash, dead animals, or fire retardants.
If your water looks, smells, or tastes unusual, do not drink or give it to animals, or use it for food preparation (this water can still be used in the garden).
If you have an evaporative air conditioner supplied by tank water, do not use it if this water has been contaminated.
Coliban Water does not manage private water sources, including tanks, or their quality. Further information is available from the Department of Health.
Support is available through our Coliban Assist program. Please call us on 1300 363 200 for a confidential discussion.
You can contact us 24/7 on 1300 363 200 if you are experiencing an issue with your water or sewer service, or if you need to report a leak or burst.
Due to ongoing fire activity and road closures, there are some areas of the network our crews are unable to safely access. As a result, response times may be longer than usual.
We appreciate your patience as we work to carry out all repairs as quickly and safely as possible.
Customers can call 1300 363 200 for help, advice, or to report an issue with their water or sewer services.
Information and updates are available at coliban.com.au/interruptions.
Follow facebook.com/ColibanWater for updates.
We're providing regular updates via SMS to customers with a registered mobile phone number.
We acknowledge and respect Victoria Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria's land and waters, their unique ability to care for country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices. We are committed to being a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBTIQA+ communities and their families.
1300 363 200
Email coliban@coliban.com.au
National relay service 133 677 then ask for 1300 363 200
