Bushfires And Water Tanks

Overview

During a bushfire, smoke, ash, and debris can get into your rainwater tank and contaminate the water. This can make the water unsafe to drink or use for cooking, even after the fire has passed. This article explains the risks, how to check your water, and what you can do to stay healthy.

It is common in areas where bushfires occur, especially for households that rely on rainwater tanks.

It affects people who use rainwater tanks for drinking, cooking, or other household needs, particularly those living in or near bushland fire-prone areas.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Diarrhea or vomiting after drinking or using water from the tank
• Stomach cramps or nausea
• Skin irritation or rash after bathing in the water
• Unusual taste, smell, or colour in the water

Symptoms in children

• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, fewer wet nappies, or unusual drowsiness
• Fever or irritability
• Refusing to drink water or fluids

Symptoms in older adults

• Severe diarrhea or vomiting
• Signs of dehydration, including confusion, dizziness, or dark urine
• Worsening of existing health conditions, such as kidney problems
• Weakness or difficulty standing

Causes

Main causes

• Bushfire smoke and ash entering the tank through the inlet, overflow, or gaps in the lid or seals.
• Firefighting chemicals and contaminated water runoff seeping into the tank or catchment area.
• Dead animals or animal droppings falling into gutters or directly into the tank after a fire.
• Heat damage to tank materials, causing cracks or leaks that allow contamination.

Risk factors

• Living in a bushfire-prone area
• Having a rainwater tank with poorly sealed lids, cracked pipes, or missing leaf guards
• Using gutters that have not been cleaned before the fire season
• Having a tank that is not separated from potential contamination sources like septic systems or livestock

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or a family member have severe stomach symptoms that do not improve within 24 hours
• If you show signs of dehydration that cause concern
• If you have an ongoing health condition and have consumed potentially contaminated water

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild symptoms and want advice on testing your water or protecting your health
• If you need a prescription for rehydration fluids or other supportive treatment
• Before returning to normal water use after a bushfire, if you have health concerns

Diagnosis

To check if your water is safe, you can have a water test done by an accredited laboratory. Your local health department or council can tell you where to send a sample. If you have symptoms, a doctor will ask about what you have eaten, drunk, or come into contact with, and may examine you to look for signs of infection or dehydration.

Tests that may be done

• Microbiological testing for bacteria (like E. coli) and parasites
• Chemical testing for metals, pesticides, or fire retardants
• Physical checks for odour, colour, and turbidity (cloudiness)

What to expect at your appointment

The water test result can take a few days. While you wait, use an alternative water source for drinking and cooking, such as bottled water or a trusted public supply. If you see a doctor, they might take a stool sample or blood sample to check for infection or dehydration.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on managing any symptoms you may have and ensuring you stay hydrated. For the water tank itself, the treatment is cleaning, disinfection, and possibly discarding the contaminated water.

Self-care at home

• Stop using the water for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and preparing baby formula until it is tested and confirmed safe.
• Use an alternative water source, such as bottled water, or boil the water for at least one minute if you have no other option (though boiling does not remove all chemicals).
• If you have diarrhea or vomiting, sip clear fluids frequently to avoid dehydration. Oral rehydration salts (available from a pharmacy) can help replace lost electrolytes.
• Follow local health department guidance on flushing your tank and cleaning gutters, pipes, and the tank interior.

Medical treatments

A doctor may recommend oral rehydration solutions or, if dehydration is severe, intravenous fluids. For bacterial or parasitic infections, they might prescribe antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines. There are no specific drugs for most chemical exposures, so the main treatment is stopping exposure and supporting your body.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not relevant for this condition.

Living with this condition

After a bushfire, you may need to rely on bottled or trucked-in water for a few weeks. Keep a supply of clean water on hand for drinking and cooking. Clean your tank and gutters as soon as it is safe to do so, and follow the advice of your local water authority.

Lifestyle tips

• Slowly reintroduce tank water only after test results show it is safe.
• Regularly inspect and maintain your tank, including cleaning gutters and checking seals.
• Plan ahead for future fire seasons by installing leaf guards, a first-flush diverter, and a fine mesh cover over the tank inlet.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet to support your immune system while you recover. If you have had diarrhea or vomiting, eat small, bland meals as your stomach settles. Staying physically active can help reduce stress, but rest when you feel tired.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Bushfires are stressful, and worrying about your water supply can add to anxiety. It is normal to feel unsettled. Talk to family, friends, or your doctor about how you are feeling. If you are having trouble sleeping or continually feel low, seek support.

Prevention

You cannot prevent a bushfire, but you can reduce the risk of contamination by preparing your tank and catchment area before fire season. This includes cleaning gutters, sealing inlet pipes, and ensuring your tank lid is tight and secure.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines that prevent illness from contaminated water, but staying up to date on routine vaccines (such as tetanus and hepatitis A) is recommended for general health.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for water contamination. Testing your water after a bushfire or before the fire season is the best way to know if your water is safe.

Complications

If left untreated

• Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can be serious, especially for children and older adults.
• Chemical contaminants like heavy metals can build up in the body over time, causing long-term health problems.
• Bacterial or parasitic infections can lead to more severe illness in people with weakened immune systems.

Long-term outlook

Most people recover fully from short-term exposure to contaminated water once they stop using it and get proper care. With prompt water testing, cleaning, and following local advice, most households can safely return to using their rainwater tank within a few weeks. The outlook is good with the right steps.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) ↗

Local organisations

• Australian Government Department of Health ↗ · Australia

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