Harcourt updates - January 2026
- Coliban Water region
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. |
| 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:
|
| 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.
Planned Water Shutdown - Eaglehawk
- Eaglehawk
Our crews will be completing maintenance work in Sovereign Court, Eaglehawk on Wednesday 28 January.
These works require a water supply interruption in Darling Street between 8.30am and 12.30pm.
Impacted customers have been notified and advised to store sufficient water for their need prior to the shutdown.
Once supply is restored customers in the area will need to run their taps for a short time until the water runs clear.
Minor traffic management will be in place.
Caledonia Gully Reservoir, Argyle - Water release
- Argyle and Heathcote
The Caledonia Gully Reservoir in Argyle is currently unable to be used to meet the demands of our Heathcote Water Treatment Plant. This is due to a raw water network issue we are investigating. As a result there will be a controlled discharge of excess water from the Caledonia Gully Reservoir spillway until further notice.
This release is unavoidable and will result in increased flows in the Caledonia Gully Creek system.
There is no impact to customers as the Heathcote Pipeline is being used to meet the increased demands.
Further updates to follow.
Maintenance work - Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant
- Castlemaine
We will be completing maintenance on the biofilter beds at the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant from Tuesday 13 January. We expect work to be completed by Friday 30 January.
While the work is underway, those around the plant may notice a temporary increase in odour.
Biofilter beds contain a thick layer of mulch containing odour-eating bacteria that clean the odorous (smelly) air created during the sewage treatment process. This media is being replaced as part of routine maintenance.
Once complete, the work will improve ongoing management of odours generated from the sewage treatment process.
We continue to monitor odour at the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant. If you wish to report odour, please contact us on 1300 363 200.
Boat ramp closed to larger vessels – Upper Coliban Reservoir
- Upper Coliban Reservoir
The Premier Mine Road boat ramp at the Upper Coliban Reservoir will be closed from 5 January 2026 to larger vessels that cannot be carried to the water.
This is due to releases from the Upper Coliban Reservoir that will reduce water levels in the boat ramp area.
Vessels that can be carried to the water – such as kayaks and canoes – are still permitted to use the reservoir.
This restriction will remain in place until water levels increase at the reservoir.
Please note a blue-green algae alert remains in place at the Upper Coliban Reservoir. Visitors should avoid contact with the water.
For more information visit https://coliban.com.au/about-us/our-reservoirs/upper-coliban-reservoir