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Monitoring Bird flu

We're monitoring the evolving H5 bird flu (avian influenza) situation, and working with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and other authorities to stay informed and help keep our customers and communities safe.

We’re providing information to help you understand what to do if you encounter sick or dead birds, or wildlife, and what this means for drinking water, recycled water and raw water supplies.

Your drinking water remains safe

We provide some of the best quality drinking water in the world. We treat and test the drinking water to meet strict Australian health and quality standards before it reaches your tap. These processes are effective at removing or inactivating viruses and bacteria, including the H5 bird flu virus. 

You can continue to drink tap water supplied through our drinking water network as normal.

More information about water quality

How to report a sick or dead bird

Don’t touch a sick or dead bird. If you find sick or dead wild birds, or wildlife with signs of H5 bird flu:

  • AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment.
  • RECORD what you see by taking a photo or video, if it is safe to do so.
  • REPORT it to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action by using this form, or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease hotline 1800 675 888  

Recycled water

Our recycled water undergoes multiple treatment and disinfection processes that help protect public health and reduce harmful microorganisms, including viruses.

If any recycled water supply is assessed as unsuitable for its intended use, we’ll take appropriate action and communicate directly with affected customers.

Class A recycled water

You can continue to use Class A recycled water supplied to your property as intended. Class A recycled water is subject to strict treatment, monitoring and quality requirements.

Class C recycled water

You can continue to use Class C recycled water, however you must continue to follow all controls and requirements in your supply agreement, including but not limited to withholding periods, site access controls and measures to avoid direct contact. 

Raw water

Raw water is untreated water and should never be used for drinking, food preparation or personal hygiene.

If the H5 bird flu virus spreads further throughout Victoria, there’s a small risk that infected birds could contaminate untreated surface water sources. 

If H5 bird flu is suspected in any raw water supplying customers, we’ll notify affected customers and provide further advice. However, customers should be aware that we may not know if birds with bird flu are, or have been, in the water. 

Customers should continue to follow all existing requirements for the safe use of raw water. 

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