News

Emergency water fill points open across fire-impacted towns

By Pip Turton

Jan 21, 2026

Goulburn Valley Water staff provide emergency drinking water, helping fire-affected residents access safe water as communities begin to recover. Photo by Contributed

Goulburn Valley Water is providing emergency drinking water to communities impacted by the recent fires, including towns both inside and outside its normal service area.

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Drinking water fill points have been set up to make access simple and reliable.

In Ruffy, a fill point is located opposite the Ruffy Town Hall.

People from nearby areas, including Terip Terip, are encouraged to use this supply.

In Molesworth, water is available outside the CFA Shed on Hood St, while people in and around Yarck can access water at the Yarck Town Hall.

Each site has a 15,000-litre tank, with multiple taps and hoses for small containers, as well as hoses suitable for larger containers such as IBCs.

Accessing water is as easy as pulling up alongside the tank and turning on the tap.

These fill points are available to anyone affected by the fires — people do not need to be GVW customers.

Additional smaller drinking water fill points are available at Friendlies Oval in Euroa, Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve, Alexandra Rotary Park and the Yea Recreation Reserve.

For larger water needs, water carters can access GVW standpipes at several locations, including Euroa, Yea, Bonnie Doon, Alexandra and Seymour, with water currently available free of charge.

GVW managing director Steve Capewell said supporting communities during emergencies was a shared responsibility.

“Our staff have worked around the clock to keep water and wastewater services running. Water is a vital part of fire recovery, and we want to help communities start to rebuild,” he said.

Anyone having trouble accessing water can contact GVW’s Customer Service Centre on 1800 454 500.