Water theft investigation - Trentham
- Trentham
We are investigating instances of water theft in Trentham.
Water theft is a crime that involves someone taking water from the water network without permission. These types of offences can be either a deliberate act or an inadvertent one due to people not knowing the laws.
The instances of water theft are counteracting water carting efforts we have underway in Trentham to help maintain water levels during the hot weather and ensure we continue to provide drinking water to the community.
Having someone illegally take water from our drinking water network negates the benefits of carting water, results in less water for the community and increases the risk of low water pressure during the hot weather.
Some water corporations allow registered water carters to take water from the drinking water network. We only allow water carters to take from the drinking water network when carting for Coliban Water, and for specific reasons such as maintaining supply to a community.
In the Coliban Water region, water carters are required to take from standpipes with permits are required to do so.
We are responsible for the compliance and enforcement of those rules and can investigate and prosecute breaches, such as water theft. Tough penalties apply for illegal take and use of water. These include:
- A maximum fine for intentional water theft and related offences if they cause substantial harm, to $990,000 for companies and $198,000 for individuals
- The suspension or cancellation of licences for taking water and works
- Penalty infringement notices for less serious offences.
If you want to report water theft, you can contact Coliban Water on 1300 363 200 or email coliban@coliban.com.au
Water carting - Heathcote
- Heathcote
We will be carting water to the Heathcote Water Treatment Plant from Wednesday 7 January 2026 until further notice.
Carting water will help to maintain water levels at the plant and prepare for the hot weather forecast this week, ensuring we continue to provide drinking water to the Heathcote community.
Some traffic management may be set up in Heathcote-Redesdale Road near the entry to the Heathcote WTP.
Heathcote customers - this water carting will not impact your water quality. Your water remains safe to drink.
Strathfieldsaye customers - you may notice trucks carrying out this water carting from the standpipe in Tannery Lane, please be aware of extra traffic in the area.
We will continue to monitor the plant daily, to ensure it can keep up with demand.
Blue-green algae – Lauriston Reservoir
- Lauriston Reservoir
Low levels of Blue-Green Algae have been detected at Lauriston Reservoir.
The reservoir is still open for on water recreation, but visitors should avoid contact with the water when fishing or boating.
Please refer to the Victorian Fisheries Authority for guidelines on fish consumption when blue-green algae is present.
While people and dogs are not permitted in the water at Lauriston Reservoir, if contact is made with the water please ensure you rinse with fresh water.
For additional blue-green algae water quality information visit here.
Water mains maintenance – Kangaroo Flat
- Kangaroo Flat
On Wednesday 14 January we’re completing maintenance work on the water mains in Kangaroo Flat between 9am and noon.
Works will happen along John Street, including The Gums Court and Tasman Court, along with properties in Noble Court, and on Mackenzie Street West located between John Street & Browning Street, Kangaroo Flat.
This work will result in a planned 2-3 hour water supply interruption for some customers in the area - these impacted customers will be notified directly.
You may see our crews working in the area. We’ll complete these works as quickly as possible to minimise any interruption time. These works will improve the resilience of the water network.
Impacted customers have been notified. Before the works, we strongly recommend impacted customers turn off their stop taps and store enough water for the day.
Stop taps
Before the works, we strongly recommend you turn your stop tap off at your water meter. Once your interruption time ends, you can turn your stop tap back on.
If you can’t turn your stop tap off, that’s ok, you can leave it on, however please do not use any water during your interruption time. If your stop tap is left on, you may notice discoloured water or air in your pipes for a short period after the works. Running your tap for a few minutes should clear this.
Storing water
Store enough water for your household to use during the interruption. When your water is off, your toilet cistern won’t refill after you flush, so you may want to fill a bucket with water which can be tipped into your toilet.
During the works
These works can cause temporary changes to the look of your drinking water. If this occurs, run your taps until the water runs clear. If problems persist, please contact us. Your water remains safe to drink.
If you have any questions, please phone our Customer Support Team on 1300 363 200.
Low pressure alert - Echuca
- Echuca
Current temperatures near or above 40C, combined with an influx of visitors, is putting pressure on Echuca’s water supply.
Some customers in Echuca may experience lower than normal water pressure in the coming days.
In parts of Echuca this may temporarily impact the operation of sprinkler systems, some air conditioners, and other appliances.
To help reduce demand, please limit non-essential water use until temperatures cool, only water your garden between 6pm and 10am, and set appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to run outside peak periods.
Stay safe, hydrated, and check in with vulnerable family and friends. If you need to, seek a place where you can keep cool, such as a library, community centre, or shopping centre.
For help or to report an issue with your water or sewage you can call us on 1300 363 200 or visit coliban.com.au.
Stay up to date with emergency warnings at emergency.vic.gov.au