Department of Human Services Environmental Health Unit Public Health Information
Water tanks in bushfire-affected areas
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are all rain water tanks contaminated after a fire? No. Water tanks are usually only contaminated after a fire when it rains for the first time, washing ash and debris from the roof into the tank. In fact, DHS research suggests that there is very little contamination of water in tanks after fires.
How do I know if my tank water is contaminated after a bushfire? You can tell if your tank water is contaminated after fire if it looks or smells noticeably different to what it did before fire. If it looks and smells the same as it did before the fire, then check the taste. If it tastes the same as it did before the fire, it is unlikely to have been contaminated. If it smells unusual, or is cloudy, has an unusual colour or contains particles, assume it is contaminated. You will need an alternative supply of water for drinking, cooking and teeth cleaning. Testing the water is not recommended, as contamination is usually obvious based on the colour, smell and taste.
What can I do to my rainwater tank to reduce contamination from a bushfire? The easiest and most effective way to prevent contamination of your water tank is to disconnect the tank from the roof until the roof has been cleaned. If you have a first flush diverter between the roof and the tank this should prevent ash and other debris from entering your water tank when it rains.
Do I need to have my water tank cleaned? If the water smells and looks the same as before the fires you do not need to treat your water or clean your water tank. You only need clean your tank if you think the water is contaminated.
How do I clean my water tank? You can have specialist contractors clean your tank, or if it’s safe, you can clean your tank yourself. If your tank water is grossly polluted, it is recommended that you engage a specialist contractor, as working with cleaning agents in a confined space is potentially dangerous. To clean the tank yourself, you must ensure it is adequately ventilated. If debris or ash has fallen or washed into your tank simply flush out the dirty water and refill the tank with drinking water. This water should be
Information available to the public Department of Human Services Environmental Health Unit 2009
Water tanks in bushfire-affected areas
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are all rain water tanks contaminated after a fire? No. Water tanks are usually only contaminated after a fire when it rains for the first time, washing ash and debris from the roof into the tank. In fact, DHS research suggests that there is very little contamination of water in tanks after fires.
How do I know if my tank water is contaminated after a bushfire? You can tell if your tank water is contaminated after fire if it looks or smells noticeably different to what it did before fire. If it looks and smells the same as it did before the fire, then check the taste. If it tastes the same as it did before the fire, it is unlikely to have been contaminated. If it smells unusual, or is cloudy, has an unusual colour or contains particles, assume it is contaminated. You will need an alternative supply of water for drinking, cooking and teeth cleaning. Testing the water is not recommended, as contamination is usually obvious based on the colour, smell and taste.
What can I do to my rainwater tank to reduce contamination from a bushfire? The easiest and most effective way to prevent contamination of your water tank is to disconnect the tank from the roof until the roof has been cleaned. If you have a first flush diverter between the roof and the tank this should prevent ash and other debris from entering your water tank when it rains.
Do I need to have my water tank cleaned? If the water smells and looks the same as before the fires you do not need to treat your water or clean your water tank. You only need clean your tank if you think the water is contaminated.
How do I clean my water tank? You can have specialist contractors clean your tank, or if it’s safe, you can clean your tank yourself. If your tank water is grossly polluted, it is recommended that you engage a specialist contractor, as working with cleaning agents in a confined space is potentially dangerous. To clean the tank yourself, you must ensure it is adequately ventilated. If debris or ash has fallen or washed into your tank simply flush out the dirty water and refill the tank with drinking water. This water should be
Information available to the public Department of Human Services Environmental Health Unit 2009