Ensure you have adequate supplies of safe drinking water when returning to your property.
Private water supplies may be contaminated with floodwater and may not be suitable for drinking. Floodwater can contain sewage and harmful microorganisms.
The water supply should also not be used if the tank or connecting pipework has been damaged, or where flood water has been in contact with taps or connections within or outside the home.
If you know or suspect that electrical equipment associated with your water supply has been affected, it is recommended that it is inspected and declared fit for use by a licensed electrician before attempting to restore the supply.
The steps to restore your water supply will depend on the source of water.
For rainwater tanks, refer to the fact sheet on restoring rainwater tanks after storms or floods.
Other sources such as bores, rivers and lakes may have been contaminated with sewage and microorganisms from floodwaters. If the water source has been contaminated, the usual treatment processes may not provide adequate treatment. Refer to the Private Water Supply guidelines and seek advice from your local public health unit.
Once the water supply has been restored, flush all associated taps for a few minutes to remove any contaminated water in the plumbing lines.
Remove any screens, flow regulators and aerators and thoroughly clean the tap and all parts with hot water and detergent.
Apply a mild disinfectant to the tap and its parts.
Rinse, reassemble the tap and again run it for a few minutes before use.
