Private water sources in bushfire-affected areas could become contaminated from bushfire ash, fire retardant, debris or dead animals. If the water looks, smells or tastes unusual, do not use it for drinking or food preparation and do not give it to animals.
Bushfires and water tanks
Water tanks are common on farms; however take care before drinking water from your tank if there has been a bushfire in your area, or if your property was affected by bushfires.
Water can be contaminated by ash or the chemicals in fire suppressant if it has been dumped or sprayed on your roof.
Water may be contaminated if it:
- Tastes or smells unusual
- Is cloudy
- Has an unusual colour
- Contains debris or ash.
You may need to drain and clean your tank and have it refilled by a carting company. Divert rainwater from the first rainfall after the fires and only reconnect pipes to the tank when the roof has been flushed clean.
Consider disconnecting your tank from your roof beforehand if you know there is a fire risk.
References used for this topic page
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Last reviewed:
16-July-2011
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