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)

Yes. Following water quality testing, the Do Not Drink water advisory in Gellibrand has now been lifted and tap water is safe to drink.

Yes. Tap water is now safe to drink, prepare food, brush teeth, wash dishes and for all normal household uses.

We completed cleaning of the water supply network and undertook comprehensive water quality testing to confirm that the water meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. This involved testing of two rounds of water samples by an independent, nationally accredited laboratory.

Yes. It’s recommended you flush all internal taps for 2 minutes before use. This helps draw fresh water through internal plumbing. To flush your taps, run each of your taps for at least 2 minutes.

Coffee machine and tea urns, ice machines and dishwashers: Flush and clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Beverage dispensers: Flush and clean before use.

Drinking Water fountains: Run continuously to remove old water and bring fresh water through the system.

Water filters: Discharge cartridge filter and replace with a new filter, following flushing.

Ice machine and ice cube containers: Discard all ice made during the advisory period and flush the water lines. Empty any ice cubes that may have been made or refilled during the advisory period.

Run dishwashers once before use (running an empty load is fine).

Yes. This can now be used normally with tap water.

This is likely due to air trapped in your internal plumbing. This can be caused by the mains cleaning and flushing. To clear it, turn on your backyard garden tap (or an upstairs tap in a double storey home) and let it run for 5 - 10 minutes. This will help draw the trapped air out of the system. If the issue persists, contact us on 1300 656 007.

As water use increases, natural sediment in the mains may mobilise due to the increased rate of water flow. It is not a health risk and usually lasts a short time. Flush from all the internal water taps for 5-10 minutes. If the issue persists, contact us on 1300 656 007. Refer to “Do I need to flush my taps?” question on how to complete a flush.

Chlorine is added to drinking water as a disinfectant to help ensure it is safe to drink. To lift the Do Not Drink advisory, the distribution system was flushed multiple times to disinfect the pipes. As a result, freshly treated water (stronger chlorine smell) has now been drawn through the water mains.

If you’d like to reduce the chlorine taste in your water before drinking, a strategy you can try is to leave a container of water to stand for at least 15 minutes (such as keeping a jug handy). The chlorine will quickly dissipate when exposed to open air.

If you are in the fire-affected area, private water tanks may have been contaminated by ash, debris, dead animals, or fire-fighting chemicals. If the tank water looks, smells, or tastes unusual, do not drink it or use it for food preparation.

Barwon Water does not manage or monitor quality of private water sources, including water tanks.

For advice on cleaning and reinstating private water tanks after a bushfire, visit the Department of Health page: Bushfires and your private drinking water supply | Better Health Channel

Check the little screens on your taps (aerators) for any trapped grit. Unscrew them, rinse them clean, and screw them back on. If the issue persists, contact us on 1300 656 007.

For updates or further questions, contact us on 1300 656 007 or keep an eye on this web page. We will publish updates and new FAQs regularly.

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.

Before you refill your tank, it is strongly recommended that you have your roof and tank 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 at Recovery water tank rebates or contact Barwon Water for support.

Quick steps:

• Check if you are eligible for a rebate of up to $1500 to cover tank cleaning and roof gutter cleaning at Recovery water tank rebates
• Engage a contractor to clean your tank or roof. You may have someone you use regularly, or give us a call if you need support.
• Apply for the reimbursement online through DEECA

The Victorian Government provides the Emergency Relief Drinking Water program, which entitles households in the bushfire impact area that rely solely on tank water for drinking to one delivery of up to 20,000 litres. The program is co-ordinated by Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Quick steps:

• Check if you are eligible for a free delivery of drinking water for your tank here.
• Fill out this form and send it to water.recovery@deeca.vic.gov.au or call Barwon Water and we can help you complete the form.
• DEECA will review your application and if approved, will organise a water delivery through Barwon Water.
• You do not need to pay the water provider.

If you think you might be eligible for the Emergency Relief Drinking Water program, please call Barwon Water on 1300 656 007 and our 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.

For more information on the program please visit: https://www.water.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/news-st...

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. You must ask for water replacement within 3 months of it being taken from your property.

Quick steps:

• Visit the Forest Fire Management Victoria website for further information
• Complete the online application form Essential water replacement form (PDF, 85.4 KB) Essential water replacement form (accessible) (DOCX, 148.7 KB)
• Send your completed form to Emergency.recovery@deeca.vic.gov.au.
• Your dam or tank used for firefighting will be actioned.

Please call Barwon Water if you need support with completing the form.

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

Please note that only water carters registered with Barwon Water can provide DEECA-approved water deliveries under this program. Please contact us on 1300 656 007 for more information.