Private drinking water

Many rural communities do not have mains drinking water access, and instead rely on private drinking water supplies. These include:

rainwater
groundwater (bores)
surface water (such as dams, rivers, creeks and irrigation channels).

Some areas rely on private water for drinking and food preparation, including for commercial and community facilities. Guidance for these facilities is available for download on this page.

Some schools also rely on private drinking water supplies. Guidance to develop a water supply management plan for schools to help identify and manage hazards and risks is available for download on this page.

Levels of risk for different drinking water sources are shown in the risk hierarchy below. Always use the highest quality of water available for drinking.

Many rural communities do not have mains drinking water access, and instead rely on private drinking water supplies

Private drinking water supplies - overview

Alternative sources of drinking water can be used when mains water is unavailable.

Cleaning

Private drinking water supplies should have a regular monitoring and maintenance program.

Rainwater

Rainwater can be used in and around the home, at commercial or community facilities, and in schools.

Surface water

Includes water pumped from rivers, creeks, dams and shallow bores.

Reviewed 07 October 2015

Health.vic

Contact details

Water Unit

50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Phone 1300 761 874 (business hours)

water@dhhs.vic.gov.au