After a fire: private drinking water and water tank safety

If you live in a bushfire-affected area, your water source could become contaminated from debris, ash, small dead animals or aerial fire retardants.

If the water tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not drink it or give it to animals.

Also, you should not source water from a creek that has been affected by bushfire, as the water may be contaminated. Water drawn from deep bores or wells should continue to be safe to use.