Refer to the map on this web page for areas where support is available: 

www.water.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/news-stories/em...

Direct link to map: 
KennedysCreekCarlisleRiverReliefDrinkingWaterMap.png (1000×700)

No. The Gellibrand water treatment plant was damaged in a bushfire on Tuesday 27 January and we are working to restore drinkingqualitywater to households. 

he water is not safe to drink. Boiling it will not make it safe. 

The water can be used for non-drinking purposes, such as toilets, showers, and washing machines.

We are working hard to progress this, with a number of corrective actions required.

These includes removing unsafe drinking water from the system, via flushing; inspecting and repairing any impacted infrastructure; and verifying that we are meeting operational standards.

Quality testing is a key step in the process towards providing a safe drinking water supply.

Water sampling is being conducted in the supply network, with the samples to be analysed by an independent, nationally accredited laboratory.

When consecutive results that meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines are returned, we can consult with the Department of Health on lifting the advisory.

When the water from your taps is safe to drink, we will contact you, update this page and ask Vic Emergency to remove the Do Not Drink advice from their app.

Once we have confirmed the safety of the water, we will provide advice to customers on how to ensure any presumed unsafe water is removed from their property.

It is recommended that you flush all household cold water taps for 2 minutes before use. This draws fresh water into your internal plumbing.

Next, turn on all hot water taps and run the water to flush internal pipes and your hot water storage system.

Safe drinking water is available at Rex Norman Park in Gellibrand - please bring your water bottles and containers to fill up.

If you have an ability to cart your own water, we have free drinking water refill points at five locations: 

Free fill points for public: 

• Corner Timboon-Colac Rd and Princess Highway, Pirron Yallock

• Corner Larpent Rd and Back Larpent Rd, Larpent 

• Corner Collins Rd and Colac-Forrest Rd, Yeo 

• 100 Bourkes Road, Warncoort

• Corner Wool Wool Road and Corangamite Lake Road, Alvie – BYO hose 

We encourage people with tankers not to extract water from the Gellibrand system. Please use the five locations outlined above. 

For drinking water:

Please use the free fill points:

• Rex Norman Reserve
• Corner Tomahawk Creek Rd and Princess Highway, Pirron Yallock
• Corner Larpent Rd and Black Larpent Rd, Larpent
• Corner Collins Rd and Colac-Forrest Rd, Yeo
• 100 Bourkes Road, Warncoort
• Corner Wool Wool Road and Corangamite Lake Road, Alvie – BYO hose

For roof and tank cleaning:

Before you refill your tank, you will need to ensure your roof and tank have been cleaned. You may be eligible for a rebate of up to $1500 to cover tank cleaning and roof gutter cleaning. Recovery water tank rebates are being provided by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). More information is available here Recovery water tank rebates or contact Barwon Water for support.

For a tank refill:

The Victorian Government has established the Emergency Relief Drinking Water program that entitles households that rely on tank water for drinking to one delivery of 20,000 litres. The state program is co-ordinated by Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and can be accessed for the Carlisle River fire by contacting Barwon Water.

If you think you might be eligible for the Emergency Relief Drinking Water program, please call Barwon Water on 1300 656 007 and the Barwon Water team will help you fill out a form to access water. If you are eligible, Barwon Water will then coordinate the refill of your drinking water tank at no cost to you.

Barwon Water can provide recycled, untreated water through our Farm Drought Relief Program. Please call Barwon Water on 1300 656 007 for support and more information is available on our website.

This water supply is not safe for human consumption. 

You will need to make your own water carting arrangements, but please call Barwon Water if you need advice or support, on 1300 656 007.

Through the Essential 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. If your essential water was completely exhausted, it will be replaced quickly. 

Information and an application form is available on the Forest Fire Management Victoria website or please call Barwon Water on 1300 656 007 for support. 

When the time is right, please call us for a chat about your account. We have many options available including payment extensions, hardship grants and flexible payment plans. 

We will also be reaching out to customers in the bushfire impact area to discuss your individual needs in the coming weeks.   

A range of support is available for communities affected by the fires including financial help, clean up and waste removal etc: January 2026 Victorian bushfires | vic.gov.au

The Government has announced additional relief for fire affected communities: 

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/additional-160-mill...

Emergency Recovery Hotline – 1800 560 760 or visit https://www.vic.gov.au/clean-support-january-2026-...

You may be eligible for a Victorian Government Emergency Relief Payment, jointly funded by the Australian Government. For information on this and other support available, call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 Financial help | vic.gov.au