Recovery Water Tank Cleaning Rebates

⁠⁠⁠Rebates to support safe drinking water access for rural households impacted by the 2026 Victorian bushfires.

Overview

What is the Recovery Water Tank Cleaning Rebates program?

The 2026 Victorian bushfires have caused statewide impacts to communities, infrastructure and the environment. Many rural households that rely on rainwater tanks for domestic use have experienced contamination and disruption to safe drinking water.

This program provides targeted financial assistance for rural households not connected to reticulated (town) water by supporting cleaning assistance for roofs, tanks, and gutters where required to enable safe drinking water.

This program complements earlier emergency efforts, including the refilling of rainwater tanks used for domestic purposes for properties not serviced by a water corporation network.

Assistance available

Eligible households may receive up to $1,500 total, covering:

• up to $750 – 100% of the cost of tank cleaning assistance
• up to $750 – 100% of the cost of roof and gutter cleaning assistance.

Note:

• This rebate is for households not covered by primary producer programs.
• Support is limited to domestic drinking water needs, not agricultural, stock or garden purposes.

Eligibility criteria

Cleaning assistance (roof, tank, or gutters)

All of the following must be met:

• The household is not connected to reticulated (town) water and relies on tank water for domestic use.
• The water tank supplying drinking water has been contaminated due to the emergency event and is located within the impacted area.*
• Cleaning is required to enable the safe delivery and maintenance of drinking water.
• If you have been impacted by the fires shown on the eligibility maps and have already cleaned your tank, roof or gutters, you are still eligible to apply.

* Impacted areas are defined by the mapped burn area and its immediate surrounds. Households with extenuating circumstances may still be considered.

What costs are supported?

We will reimburse cleaning services required to enable safe drinking water, including roofs, tanks, or gutters, up to a maximum of $1,500.

We will not fund:

• ongoing or routine maintenance not related to the emergency
• cleaning for tanks primarily used for agriculture, stock, or garden watering
• costs covered by insurance or other programs
• costs claimed under primary producer programs.

How to apply

1. Arrange and pay for the cleaning service upfront (qualified and insured providers)
2. Apply for reimbursement via the online portal
3. Upload paid invoices and proof of payment
4. Provide bank account details for reimbursement processing

Applications are made through DEECA’s online Grants portal. If you need help, support contacts are listed below.

For more information, please visit the program guidelines.

Recovery Water Tank Cleaning Rebates program guidelines 2026

What you’ll need to provide

• Paid invoice(s) and receipt(s) or proof of payment for cleaning services (roof, tank, or gutters)
• Property location (to confirm proximity to the mapped burn area)
• Your contact information
• Banking details (if approved)

Program notes and safety

• Use qualified and insured cleaners for roof, tank and gutter work
• If structural damage is suspected, obtain professional advice before accessing roofs or tanks
• Boil water or use bottled water until cleaning and refill are completed and water is confirmed safe
• Program settings may change as fire impacts and assessments evolve

Accessibility and support

If you need help to complete your application or to submit documents:

• Email: recovery.rebates@deeca.vic.gov.au
• DEECA Customer Contact Centre: 136 186.