Yes. The town water supply is now safe for all purposes.

The fires in Harcourt impacted 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.

Where it is safe to do so, our Rural Team is inspecting the rural network, assessing the condition of our rural channels and pipelines and prioritising the work required.

While we are working hard to ensure continuity of supply, the situation may temporarily impact our ability to fill all rural orders.

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 it, 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.

If you're not connected to town water and have water tanks, you may be eligible for relief drinking water - see below.

If you are in the fire-affected area, you may have emptied your household water tank for firefighting, or it may now contain ash or other contaminants.

If you’re NOT on town water, you may be eligible for a refill of up to 20,000 litres through the Emergency Relief Drinking Water Program 2026.

Further information can be found on the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website.

How to apply?

You can fill out this online form or call 1300 363 200 between 8am and 5pm weekdays.

Eligibility

Relief drinking water can be supplied when:

• Your drinking water supply is not being met by other relief services and support arrangements.
• Your home is not on reticulated (town) water and relies on tank water for drinking and domestic use.
• The property is your primary place of residence.
• Tank water is not used primarily for agriculture, stock water, and watering gardens.
• The household’s water tank is contaminated due to the emergency and is located in the impacted area within the region serviced by Coliban Water.
• The household’s application is submitted by the due date where a due date is set by the program.

How long after an emergency can relief drinking water be supplied?

The program aims to supply drinking water within three weeks after the announcement of the program. The program is expected to run until at least 6 February 2026.

How much relief drinking water can I apply for?

Eligible households will receive up to 20,000 litres of relief drinking water for essential use. Tanks can be drained before filling to ensure clean water is in the tank.

What areas are eligible for relief drinking water?

You may be eligible if your water tank is within the Harcourt (Ravenswood-Fogartys Gap Road) bushfire-affected area. A bushfire affected area is where water-bombing activities have occurred and fire retardants, ash, or debris have fallen directly onto properties.

How do I know if my tank is contaminated?

The signs of water contamination include your water looking, smelling, or tasting unusual. Do not use the water for drinking or food preparation. Do not give the water to animals.

Boiling water does not remove fire retardants or other chemicals from your water.

The roof and gutters are contaminated by bushfire and soot – is gutter cleaning included?

No. Cleaning rooftops contaminated by bushfire ash and soot is the household’s responsibility.

If you are physically unable to clean your rooftop, you can contact DEECA on 136 186 or your local council - Mount Alexander Shire Council on 03 5471 1700 or City of Greater Bendigo on 1300 002 642.

How do I clean my water tank after a fire?

If your water tank has been affected by smoke, ash, or debris from a fire, it’s important to clean it thoroughly before using the water. Contaminants can pose health risks if not properly removed. For more information on bushfires and private drinking water supply visit the Better Health Channel website.

How can I prepare my tanks for future use?

Make sure your down pipes are disconnected prior to reconnecting your down pipes, hose off the roof catchment area to prevent contaminants entering your tank with the next rain.

For more information on cleaning and treating your private drinking water supply, please see the Department of Health website.

I need more than 20,000 litres. Where can I access additional water?

If you have run out of tank water, you can access bulk treated drinking water from Coliban Water’s standpipes. Find more information here: www.coliban.com.au/business/water-carting

Where can I get more information?

• Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action – Relief drinking water information
• EPA Victoria - information on fire retardants

For more information about private drinking water supplies:

• Victorian Department of Health – Your private drinking water supply
• Health – Guidance on use of rainwater tanks

The Victorian Government is providing recovery support for people and communities affected by the fires that started on 7 January 2026.

Click here to learn more about the range of help and support available.

You can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 from 9am to 5pm. If you are in danger call 000.

The Recovery Hub at Castlemaine Town Hall has now closed.

You can visit the Coliban Water office at 37-45 Bridge Street, Bendigo on weekdays from 8am to 5pm excluding public holidays.

Through its Water Replacement Scheme, the Victorian Government will replace essential private water supplies, including dam water, taken and used during the bushfire emergency.

You may be eligible to receive a 'reasonable and sufficient volume of water' to sustain the health of your property, pets, and stock.

Information and an application form is available on the Forest Fire Management Victoria website. Click here.

Staff at your local council, DEECA, or CFA Office can assist to lodge the application form for you if required.

If your essential water was completely exhausted, it will be replaced within 48 hours of the need being established, wherever 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 provide important updates via SMS to customers with a registered mobile phone number.

Click here to update your details.