Register your water transport vehicle by 1 October 2011

From 1 July 2011, changes to the Food Act 1984 require private drinking water carters to register their water transport vehicles.

The changes apply to private businesses that deliver water for sale to the public which is intended for:

• human consumption, or
• purposes connected with human consumption (such as preparation of food, making ice for consumption, or preserving unpackaged food).

A proprietor of a business that operates water transport vehicles for this purpose must apply for registration with the local council in whose district their water transport vehicles are garaged.

The new regulatory requirements bring water carters into line with businesses conducting food and beverage handling activities which carry similar risks to human health.

The changes to the Act are intended to ensure that all through the “supply chain” there are steps in place to give all Victorians access to a safe water supply.

You must lodge your registration form with your local council by no later than 1 October 2011 to be registered by 1 January 2012.

This flyer provides more advice about registering your water transport vehicle:

 Private drinking water carters - Approval to operate in Victoria, July 2011

Private drinking water supplies

All businesses and community groups that rely on a private water supply for drinking (potable) water must take all reasonable precautions to ensure the water is safe for human consumption. Private water supplies – including water pumped from rivers, creeks, bores, dams and rainwater tanks – can contain a wide range of disease-causing microorganisms and harmful chemicals if the water is not treated correctly.

The following guidelines provide information to assist food businesses to ensure that their water supply is safe for food preparation and human consumption.

 Guidelines for drinking (potable) water transport in Victoria - Guide for Victorian water carters, July 2011

Guidelines for private drinking water supplies at commercial and community facilities - Oct 2009 (219kb, pdf)

Making sure your private water supply is safe: Rainwater - Jan 2009 (243kb, pdf)

Making sure your private water supply is safe: Groundwater - Jan 2009 (167kb, pdf)

Making sure your private water supply is safe: Surface water - Jan 2009 (168kb, pdf)