Coliban Water, following consultation with the Department of Health, advises that customers in Harcourt supply system do not drink tap water from 11.45am on Saturday 10 January 2026 until further notice.
This advice has been issued following the fires in Harcourt on Friday 9 January 2026, which impacted our ability to safely access a burst water main that may have caused contaminants to enter the water supply network. We ask all residents to not drink tap water until further notice.
A drinking water trailer is now available at Rodilesa Nursery Harcourt, on the corner of Blackjack Road and Midland Highway. If you have experienced a water outage or Do Not Drink advisory, you can fill your own drink bottles or other suitable containers here at any time. Please only take what you need.
To see which areas of the supply network are affected, click here.
The Harcourt supply system also supplies areas south of Harcourt, click here to view those areas.
We are aware Harcourt residents were evacuated on Friday 9 January due to fires, and we recognise this has been a distressing time for the community. As you safely return to Harcourt, we do not wish to add to your burden, however, we want to let you know that the local water supply has been compromised.
Please know we are here to help, and you can contact us at any time on 1300 363 200 if you need assistance or have concerns.
While this ‘do not drink tap water’ advisory is in place, you are advised not to use the tap water for:
- drinking
- preparing beverages
- washing and preparing food
- preparing baby formula
- brushing teeth
- making ice
Boiling water will not remove any potential contaminants that may enter the distribution system if there is pressure loss.
If you are concerned that you may have been affected by contaminated water, please seek medical advice. Inform your GP of this advisory.
Please share this advice with neighbours and friends.
Once safe to do so, our teams will access the site, repair the damage and restore safe drinking water. As we begin these repairs, some customers may experience intermittent water supply. Even if water is available at your property, it is not safe to drink while the advisory remains in place.
Coliban Water will keep customers informed as the situation changes.
Regular updates will be provided on this page. If you require help or further information call us on 1300 363 200.