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Emergencies and Natural Disasters

Goulburn Valley Water / Service interruptions / Emergencies and Natural Disasters
BELOW INFORMATION IS CURRENT AT 10.49am Tuesday 13 January

Emergencies and natural disasters can occur at any time so it is important to be prepared for their impacts and the likelihood that water supply and sewerage services may be compromised.

January extreme weather and fires

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR FIRE IMPACTED RESIDENTS:

Tuesday 13 January 10.45am

Financial assistance has been activtated through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) for communities impacted by the recent bushfires in Victoria.

Effective from 2:00 pm local time on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, the AGDRP will be accessible to eligible individuals residing in the following areas: Barkers Creek, Harcourt, Harcourt North, Longwood, Longwood East, Natimuk, Ravenswood South, Ruffy, and Sutton Grange.

The AGDRP provides a one-time payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child to support individuals who have sustained significant home damage, serious injury, or bereavement as a result of bushfires.

This support is in addition to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements activated by the Australian Government and Victoria Government, to help households, small businesses, primary producers and councils.

For more information or to apply:

  • Visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/disastersupport
  • Head to myGov online or via the app
  • Call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR FIRE IMPACTED FARMERS & LOCAL PRODUCERS

Tuesday 13 January 10.42am

An additional $10 million fodder support package is now available for farmers and local producers affected by the Victoria bushfires. 

The Australian Government and Victoria Government will work with the Victorian Farmers Federation to distribute fodder to farmers who need it.

Further support available:

  • Personal Hardship Payment activated for 18 Local Government Areas and 1 Alpine Resort.
  •  Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment activated for 9 areas.

Emergency Recovery Victoria will keep working with councils to determine other support needed and assistance may also be extended to other areas.

This support is being delivered through the joint Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

For more information or to apply:

  • Head to an Emergency Relief Centre
  • Call the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226
  • Visit emergency.vic.gov.au/relief

Further information on disaster assistance is also available at disasterassist.gov.au

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR FIRE IMPACTED CUSTOMERS:

Monday 12 January 3.15pm

Over the last few days, we have experienced supply issues in several towns across our service area, due to extreme weather and the ongoing fire situation.

We asked you to limit your water use for only essential needs when our storage was running low. Thank you for your assistance and understanding during this time.

Water storage levels have now returned to normal in the following towns:

  • Eildon
  • Thornton
  • Rubicon
  • Alexandra
  • Mansfield
  • Strathbogie
  • Euroa
  • Bonnie Doon
  • Violet Town

Customers in these towns no longer need to limit their water use, and as the warm weather continues, we appreciate you being mindful where you can.

If you experience any further service issues, please call on 1800 454 500 or visit https://www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/contact-us/report-a-problem

Monday 12 January 1.20pm

Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell has praised his staff, emergency services, volunteers and the communities in the region that have been impacted by fire events in the last week.

To read the story in full go here - Working to maintain water supplies to fire affected communities | Goulburn Valley Water

There is also an update for residents of Longwood and Longwood East. To read the full story go here - Boil water notice issued for Longwood and Longwood East | Goulburn Valley Water

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

BOIL WATER NOTICE issued for Longwood East customers 

Sunday 11 January 2026, 7.15pm 

Water supply has been partially restored to Longwood East. A Boil Water Notice is in effect for Longwood and Longwood East; please limit water use to essential needs until further notice. Supply maybe intermittent and not guaranteed

The fire that passed through Longwood and Longwood East has impacted water supply to customers. We will be carrying out verification sampling to assess the water safety, but at this stage we cannot guarantee that the water being supplied to Longwood and Longwood East customers is fit for human consumption.

In consultation with the Department of Health, we advise all residents to boil their drinking water until further notice. The Boil Water Notice will remain in place until we are confident that there is no longer a risk to public health.

This advice has been issued as a precautionary measure. 

Customers should boil water prior to drinking, preparing beverages, washing and preparing food, preparing baby formula, brushing teeth and making ice.    

To ensure water is safe for consumption: 

  • Heat water until a continuous and rapid stream of air-bubbles is produced from the bottom of a pan or kettle (kettles with automatic shut-off switches are suitable). 
  • Allow water to cool before use. 
  • Store water in a clean, closed container for later use. 
  • Caution should be taken to prevent scalding from boiling water. 

Unboiled water can be used for: 

  • Showering and bathing (avoid swallowing water). 
  • Flushing toilets. 
  • Washing dishes and clothes. 

Consumption of unboiled water may lead to diarrhoea, cramps, headaches or other gastro-like symptoms. If you are concerned please contact your local doctor and advise them of this notice. 

Drinking water is available - a tanker of treated water that is safe to drink can be accessed between 8am and 4pm daily and bottled water is available 24 hours a day at the Longwood Recreation Reserve. Bring containers to fill from the tanker.

We will continue to provide regular updates.

REMINDER: IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR LONGWOOD RESIDENTS 

Sunday 11 January 5:01pm

A reminder that a Boil Water Notice is in effect for Longwood; please limit water use to essential needs until further notice. Supply maybe intermitted and not guaranteed.

The fire that passed through Longwood has impacted water supply to customers. We will be carrying out verification sampling to assess the water safety, but at this stage we cannot guarantee that the water being supplied to Longwood customers is fit for human consumption.

In consultation with the Department of Health, we advise all residents to boil their drinking water until further notice. The Boil Water Notice will remain in place until we are confident that there is no longer a risk to public health.

This advice has been issued as a precautionary measure. 

To stay updated on the current fire situation, please visit: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond 

For state wide emergency information and other important contacts during emergencies and natural disasters contact, listen to or visit:

Emergency  000  https://www.triplezero.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx
Bushfire Information Line  1800 240 667  www.cfa.vic.gov.au 
State Emergency Service (SES)  132 500  www.emergency.vic.gov.au 
VicRoads road closure information  131 170  https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Wildlife rescue 1300 094 535  https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/wildlife-information/report-a-wildlife-emergency
ABC Radio 774 AM    https://www.abc.net.au/radio/melbourne/live/
ABC Goulburn Murray 97.7 FM    https://www.abc.net.au/radio/goulburnmurray/

 

See more updates

INFORMATION FOR THORNTON & RUBICON RESIDENTS: Advice on water clarity

Sunday 11 January 1.02pm

Residents in Thornton or Rubicon may be experiencing some dirty water. Your water is safe to drink, but we advise you to run your raps for 15 minutes or run a sprinkler to the garden to have the water return to normal. 

If it doesn’t clear, please call us on 1800 454 500 and we can send teams out to flush the mains in the area.

To stay updated on the current fire situation, please visit: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond 

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR MOLESWORTH:

Sunday 11 January 12.50pm

Water storages are still very low but recovering.

We need you to limit water use to essential needs only.

We appreciate your assistance – we will keep you updated.

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Molesworth.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

INFORMATION FOR ALEXANDRA RESIDENTS: Your water supply is safe to drink

Sunday 11 January 12.24pm

We’re aware some customers in Alexandra and surrounds are experiencing intermittent discoloured water. We can confirm the water is safe to drink.

The colour is an aesthetic issue – treated water in the pipelines and our water storages meets all health-based requirements under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. However, we know having discoloured water can be unpleasant – we’re really sorry if you’re experiencing this.

If you do experience any discoloured water, please run a tap at the back of your property for a few minutes or until it clears, or run a sprinkler to water the garden. If it doesn’t clear, please call us on 1800 454 500 and we can send teams out to flush the mains in the area.

To stay updated on the current fire situation, please visit: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond 

CRITICAL UPDATE FOR EILDON RESIDENTS: Drinking supply cannot be maintained 

Sunday 11 January 11.00am

We cannot supply enough drinking water to meet current demand.

Reserve drinking water NOW. Ensure you have at least 10 litres of drinking water available for each person in your household for 48 hours. Use the bathtub, tanks, buckets and any large storage containers available to reserve drinking water. 

Treated water remains safe to drink – this is an availability issue. 

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Eildon. This a critical situation. 

We will continue to provide updates. 

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

UPDATE FOR MANSFIELD, EUROA and AVENEL  RESIDENTS

Saturday 11 January 12.15pm

Water supply is returning to normal and water storages are recovering slowly.

To continue to help the storages recover, please continue to limit water use to essential needs. This includes drinking, food preparation, bathing and for safety needs.

We appreciate your efforts – we will keep you updated.

Please pass this information to neighbours, family and friends.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

INFORMATION FOR STRATHBOGIE RESIDENTS 

Saturday 10 January 4.53pm

Due to the current fire situation, we cannot guarantee the availability of your water supply and are currently unable to access the tank site to investigate. 

We appreciate your understanding and will keep you updated. 

Please share this information with neighbours, friends, and family members in Strathbogie. 

To stay updated on the current fire situation, please visit: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond 

INFORMATION FOR ALEXANDRA – TORONGA RISE RESIDENTS 

Saturday 10 January 4.29pm

We are aware that drinking water supply is not available to some properties. We are working to restore supply. Bottled water is available from Alexandra Hospital.  

Please pass this information on to neighbours, friends and family who may be affected. 

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated. 

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond 

INFORMATION FOR KATAMATITE RESIDENTS

Saturday 10 January 3.29pm

Water supply has returned to normal however, known pressure issues exist in the supply network. We are working hard to rectify this issue.

Please limit water use to essential needs.

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

CRITICAL UPDATE – RUBICON VILLAGE RESIDENTS:

Saturday 10 January - 1.50pm

We cannot guarantee the availability of your drinking water supply.

Please continue to limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking and meeting safety needs.

You should also make sure you have a reserve of water at your home, including at least 10L per person for 48 hours.

We will keep you updated.

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Rubicon Village. This a critical situation.

CRITICAL UPDATE – EILDON and THORNTON RESIDENTS:

Saturday 10 January - 1.50pm

Water storages remain depleted.

We cannot guarantee the availability of your drinking water supply.

Please continue to limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking and meeting safety needs.

You should also make sure you have a reserve of water at your home, including at least 10L per person for 48 hours.

We will keep you updated.

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Eildon and Thornton. This a critical situation.

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR BUXTON:

Saturday 10 January 1.50pm

Water storages are still very low

We need you to continue to limit water use to essential needs only. This includes This includes drinking, food preparation, bathing and for safety needs

We appreciate your assistance – we will keep you updated.

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Buxton.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

UPDATE FOR SEYMOUR, MANSFIELD, EUROA and AVENEL  RESIDENTS

Saturday 10 January 1.50pm

Water supply is returning to normal and water storages are recovering slowly.

To continue to help the storages recover, please continue to limit water use to essential needs. This includes drinking, food preparation, bathing and for safety needs.

We appreciate your efforts – we will keep you updated.

Please pass this information to neighbours, family and friends.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

INFORMATION FOR SEYMOUR RESIDENTS

Friday 9 January 8.15 pm

The fire situation has led to a power outage in Seymour earlier today which has limited treatment of drinking water for Seymour and disrupted drinking water supply in parts of Seymour.

We are concerned that if current water demand does not reduce, we will not be able to recover our storages to continue to deliver treated drinking water.

In parts of Seymour where water is still being delivered, please limit your water use to essential needs. Essential use includes drinking, cooking and bathing, and for meeting safety needs.

We appreciate your cooperation – we will keep you updated.

Please pass on this information to neighbours, family and friends.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

INFORMATION FOR EUROA AND AVENEL RESIDENTS

Friday 9 January 8.00 pm

The current fire situation has led to both Euroa and Avenel Water Treatment Plants struggling to treat enough drinking water to meet demand in both towns.

We are concerned that if current water demand does not reduce, we will not be able to recover our storages to continue to deliver treated drinking water.

Please limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking and bathing, and for meeting safety needs.

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated.

Please pass on this information to neighbours, family and friends in Euroa and Avenel.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

INFORMATION FOR SEYMOURRESIDENTS IN THE WALLIS HILL AREA

Friday 9 January 7.30 pm

We are aware that the treated drinking water supply is not currently available to some properties in the Wallis Hill area of Seymour.

This is due to a power outage associated with the current fire situation.

We are are working to get a generator in place to restore your drinking water supply as soon as possible.

Please pass this information on to neighbours, friends and family who may be affected.

We will keep you updated.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

INFORMATION FOR KATAMATITE RESIDENTS

Friday 9 January 6:20 pm

The current fire situation has led to the Katamatite Water Treatment Plant struggling to treat enough drinking water to meet demand.

We are concerned that if current water demand does not reduce, we will not be able to recover our storages to continue to deliver treated drinking water.

Please limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking and bathing, and for meeting safety needs.

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated.

Please pass on this information to neighbours, family and friends in Katamatite.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

INFORMATION FOR SOME ALEXANDRA RESIDENTS

Friday 9 January 6.15pm

This update is for residents of Grant, Myrtle, Pendlebury, Thom, Villeneuve and Webster Streets, Dockings Lane, Wattleview Court, Bainbridge Way and Lew Ton Circuit.

We are aware that the drinking water supply is no longer available to properties located in the streets listed above.

This is due to the power outage associated with the current fire situation.

We will work to restore your drinking water supply as soon as we are able.

Please pass this information on to people you know live in the listed locations.

We will keep you updated.

INFORMATION FOR MANSFIELD RESIDENTS

Friday 9 January 5.15 pm

The current fire situation has led to the Mansfield Water Treatment Plant struggling to treat enough drinking water to meet demand.

We are concerned that if current water demand does not reduce, we will not be able to recover our storages to continue to deliver treated drinking water.

Please limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking and bathing, and for meeting safety needs.

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated.

Please pass on this information to neighbours, family and friends in Mansfield.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR BUXTON RESIDENTS:

Friday 9 January 5:45pm

Water storages are depleted - we can no longer guarantee the availability of your drinking water supply.

Please limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking and meeting safety needs.

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated.

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Buxton. This a critical situation.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

CRITICAL UPDATE – EILDON and THORNTON RESIDENTS:

Friday 9 January 5:45pm

Water storages are depleted - we can no longer guarantee the availability of your drinking water supply.

Please limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking and meeting safety needs.

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated.

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Eildon and Thornton. This a critical situation.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

INFORMATION FOR MANSFIELD RESIDENTS

Friday 9 January 5.15 pm

The current fire situation has led to the Mansfield Water Treatment Plant struggling to treat enough drinking water to meet demand.

We are concerned that if current water demand does not reduce, we will not be able to recover our storages to continue to deliver treated drinking water.

Please limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking and bathing, and for meeting safety needs.

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated.

Please pass on this information to neighbours, family and friends in Mansfield.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

CRITICAL UPDATE FOR BUXTON RESIDENTS: Drinking supply cannot be maintained

Friday 9 January 4pm

The Buxton Water Treatment Plant cannot treat enough drinking water to meet current demand.

We estimate that there is TWO hours of water supply left in the system.

Reserve drinking water NOW. Ensure you have at least 10 litres of drinking water available for each person in your household for 48 hours. Use the bathtub, tanks, buckets and any large storage containers available to reserve drinking water.

Treated water remains safe to drink – this is an availability issue.

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Buxton. This a critical situation.

We will continue to provide updates.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

URGENT INFORMATION FOR EILDON and THORNTON RESIDENTS: Drinking supply cannot be maintained

Friday 9 January 3.20pm

The Eildon Water Treatment Plant cannot treat enough drinking water to meet current demand. We estimate that there is about five hours of water supply left in the system.

You must limit water use to essential needs only to help us try to maintain a supply of water.

As a precaution you should reserve drinking water. You should ensure you have at least 10 litres of drinking water available for each person in your household for 48 hours. Use the bathtub, tanks, buckets and any large storage containers available to reserve drinking water.

Treated water remains safe to drink – this is an availability issue.

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Eildon and Thornton. This a critical situation.

We will continue to provide updates.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

URGENT INFORMATION FOR BUXTON RESIDENTS: Drinking supply cannot be maintained

Friday 9 January 2pm

The Buxton Water Treatment Plant cannot treat enough drinking water to meet current demand. We estimate that there is about four hours of water supply left in the system.

You must limit water use to essential needs only to help us try to maintain a supply of water.

As a precaution you should reserve drinking water. You should ensure you have at least 10 litres of drinking water available for each person in your household for 48 hours. Use the bathtub, tanks, buckets and any large storage containers available to reserve drinking water.

Treated water remains safe to drink – this is an availability issue.

Please pass this information onto neighbours, friends and family members in Buxton. This a critical situation.

We will continue to provide updates.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

UPDATE FOR EUROA AND VIOLET TOWN

Friday 9 January 1.15pm

Water storages are beginning to recover but we are still having trouble keeping water supply up to meet current demands.

Please continue to keep water use to essential needs only, to ensure we can continue to supply water to Euroa and Violet Town.

Quick ways you can help:

  • Delay watering gardens or lawns
  • Avoid using sprinklers or hoses unless necessary
  • Keep showers short
  • Turn off taps tightly and check for leaks around the home

Please pass on this information to neighbours, family and friends in Euroa and Violet Town.

Thanks for your understanding and assistance. We will keep you updated.

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR LONGWOOD AND LONGWOOD EAST

Friday 9 January 12.30pm

Treated drinking water is now available at the Longwood Recreation Reserve.

A tanker is at the site to fill containers. Bottled water is also available.

If it is safe to do so, please travel to the reserve and take containers to fill - volunteers will assist you.

Please pass on this information to neighbours, family and friends still in Longwood and Longwood East.

INFORMATION FOR BUXTON RESIDENTS

Friday 9 January 12.00pm

The current fire situation has led to the Buxton Water Treatment Plant struggling to treat enough drinking water to meet demand.

We are concerned that if current water demand does not reduce, we will not be able to continue to supply treated drinking water.

Please limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking, bathing and safety-related activities.

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated.

Please pass on this information to neighbours, family and friends in Buxton.

INFORMATION FOR BONNIE DOON RESIDENTS

Friday 9 January 11.00am

The current fire situation has led to the Bonnie Doon Water Treatment Plant struggling to treat enough drinking water to meet demand.

We are concerned that if current water demand does not reduce, we will not be able to recover our storages to continue to deliver treated drinking water.

Please limit your water use to essential needs only. This includes drinking, cooking and bathing.

We appreciate your understanding – we will keep you updated.

Please pass on this information to neighbours, family and friends in Bonnie Doon.

UPDATE FOR LONGWOOD AND LONGWOOD EAST RESIDENTS

Friday 9 January 10.00am

We are aware that there is no drinking water supply available to Longwood and Longwood East properties.

We are currently gaining access to the area t so we can determine what the issue is and what needs to be done to resolve it and return supply.

We are also organising delivery of temporary drinking water supplies to the Longwood Recreation Reserve.

We appreciate your understanding – we will let you know as soon as drinking water is available at the Rec. Reserve.

Please pass on this information to others in who are still in Longwood and Longwood East.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR EUROA and VIOLET TOWN RESIDENTS

Thursday 8 January 6.30pm

Today’s extreme weather conditions resulted in a power outage at the Euroa Water Treatment Plant. We were unable to treat water for drinking for several hours.

We have a generator onsite and are producing treated water again.

However, we are concerned that if current high water demand does not reduce, we will not be able to recover our storages to meet demand tomorrow.

Please be mindful of your water use. For example, you could turn off your automatic watering system tonight.

Thanks for your understanding.

Longwood and Longwood East fire

UPDATE: 8 JANUARY 2026
Urgent information for Longwood and Longwood East residents: Current weather conditions are impacting the amount of drinking water available.

Current high temperatures and resulting fire and power outages are impacting the amount of drinking water available from the Longwood water supply.

As a precaution you should reserve drinking water. You should ensure you have at least 10 litres of drinking water available for each person in your household for 48 hours. Use the bathtub, tanks, buckets and any large storage containers available to reserve drinking water.

We are currently tankering treated drinking water to supplement supply.
Treated water remains safe to drink – this is a temporary availability issue.

We will continue to provide updates.

To keep updated on the current fire situation please go to https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

  • Your water supply in a fire

    Our staff do their best to prepare for any emergencies, but we cannot guarantee uninterrupted supply of town water or to maintain normal pressure during a major fire.

  • Floods

    Floods can cause damage and disruptions to our water and wastewater services that may affect households, businesses and communities.

  • Heatwave

    Information about heatwaves and your water supply.

Goulburn Valley Water acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate, recognising their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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