Harcourt updates - January 2026

Updated: 10am, Thursday 22 January

The water in Harcourt and areas south of Harcourt is safe to drink. The Do Not Drink Advisory was lifted on Saturday 17 January. 

Before first use, we recommend you run internal taps for two minutes to draw fresh water through your internal plumbing. 

For further information visit connect.coliban.com.au/harcourt or call 1300 363 200.

Toward the end of this week will will review the location of our water trailer currently at: 

• Harcourt Tourist Centre, 7 High Street 

For our rural customers

We know our channels and pipelines near Harcourt have been affected by the fires. Where it is safe to do so, our crews have begun inspecting the rural network and the Coliban Main Channel to repair the damage and remove fallen trees. 

There is a possibility some orders may not be supplied and water quality in our rural network cannot be guaranteed. 

If you have any questions, please contact our rural team on 1300 761 738 weekdays between 7am - 2:30pm, or email coliban@coliban.com.au

Other resources and information

Recovery Hub	We will be at the Recovery Hub at the Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street Castlemaine this week. Click here for more.
Information and support for residents with water tanks	We have information available for people with water tanks.  For those who rely solely on water tanks for their household water supply (ie not town water) support is available through the State Government's Emergency Relief Drinking Water Program. You can apply using the link below or call us on 1300 363 200 and we can complete the application for you.  More information and the application form can be found in our frequently asked questions here.
Information about the replacement of dam water and other private water supplies used for firefighting	Through its Water Replacement Scheme, the Victorian Government will replace essential private water supplies, including dam water, taken and used during the bushfire emergency.  You may be eligible to receive a 'reasonable and sufficient volume of water' to sustain the health of your property, pets, and stock. Information and an application form is available on the Forest Fire Management Victoria website. Click here.  Staff at your local council, DEECA, or CFA Office can assist to lodge the application form for you if required.
Mount Alexander Shire Council website	Council has a dedicated information hub on its website with links to useful resources. Click here to view the site, which covers: Showers, food, and other essentials Latest news and details of community meetings Financial, health, and wellbeing support Waste Other service disruptions Information on returning home safely  Information about water for livestock
Victorian Emergency Recovery Hotline	The Victorian Government is providing recovery support for people and communities affected by the fires. Click here to learn more about the help and support available.  You can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline every day on 1800 560 760 from 9am to 5pm.

What’s next?

If you need help or have questions, please call us on 1300 363 200.

Further information is available at www.connect.coliban.com.au/harcourt.

Click here for information about our Coliban Assist program and our support for customers. 

The the latest emergency updates and warnings visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au. 

Our next website update will be at 10am tomorrow.