H5 bird flu and water sources
Learn about H5 bird flu and water sources, including wetlands, rainwater tanks, treated drinking water and raw water used for agriculture.
Understanding the risk from water
Risk from water exposed to sick or dead birds
Current evidence suggests the risk of people getting H5 bird flu from contaminated water is very low.
H5 bird flu mainly spreads between birds. In rare cases, it can spread to people through close contact with infected birds, their secretions, droppings, body fluids or contaminated environments.
Although infected birds can contaminate water sources, transmission to people through drinking contaminated water is considered unlikely.
If you think a water source may be contaminated:
- Do not use the water on fruit or vegetables that will be eaten raw.
- Assess whether the water is suitable for domestic, livestock or agricultural use.
- Seek advice if you have concerns about water quality.
How bird deaths can affect wetlands
Surface water used by wild or migratory birds is the most likely source of environmental contamination where H5 bird flu is present.
The risk of infection to people remains low, but you should take precautions if there are sick or dead birds in or around a wetland.
Avoid:
- touching sick or dead birds
- using the water for domestic purposes unless you know it is safe.
Staying safe around wetlands
Recreational activities in affected wetlands
If there has been a recent bird death event, avoid activities where you may:
- have direct contact with contaminated water
- have contact with sick or deceased birds
- swallow water.
You should also:
- Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after visiting areas where wild birds gather.
- Supervise children and pets around affected areas.
Rainwater tanks and household water supplies
Drinking water from rainwater tanks
Birds on roofs or near collection areas can contaminate rainwater collection systems.
However, H5 bird flu is easily destroyed by heat and standard water disinfection methods.
If you are concerned that a dead bird has contaminated your tank water:
- Boil the water before drinking it or using it in food preparation.
- Inspect your roof, gutters and collection system.
- Seek advice if you are unsure about the safety of your water.
Managing potential contamination of rainwater tanks
If a bird has died on your roof and may have entered your rainwater collection system:
- Avoid direct contact with the bird.
- Follow advice for the safe handling and disposal of dead birds.
- Clean the roof, gutters and collection points if you suspect they are contaminated.
- Boil water before drinking until you are confident the water is safe.
Boiling water can effectively destroy many disease-causing organisms, including heat-sensitive viruses. If you are considering disinfecting your rainwater supply, read the guidance on cleaning private drinking water supplies.
Treated drinking water
Safety of treated drinking water
Treated drinking water is safe to drink.
Standard drinking water treatment processes are effective against H5 bird flu. Existing water treatment systems are considered effective for managing this risk.
In Victoria, drinking water suppliers must comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2025.
These requirements include standards for:
- Microbiological water quality
- Disinfection
- Turbidity
- Chemical and radiological quality
- Routine monitoring and reporting
The role of chlorine in water treatment
Chlorine is effective at destroying H5 bird flu virus in water.
Standard drinking water treatment processes that include chlorination are considered sufficient to manage the contamination risk from H5.
The World Health Organization recommends that drinking water treatment systems maintain appropriate disinfection processes and water quality standards to protect public health.
Raw water and agricultural use
Water corporation responsibilities
Water corporations must manage drinking water supplies in accordance with Victoria's legislation and regulatory requirements.
Water treatment and risk management systems are designed to identify and manage a range of biological hazards, including contamination from wildlife.
Advice for raw water users
Take extra care if you use untreated water or suspect contamination from sick or dead birds.
As a precaution:
- Do not use potentially contaminated water on fruit or vegetables that will be eaten raw.
- Assess whether the water is appropriate for domestic, livestock or agricultural use.
- Seek advice if you are unsure about water quality.
Using raw water for irrigation
Surface water used by wild birds may become contaminated by infected birds. Run-off and animal waste can also contaminate water sources.
There is currently no evidence that people have become infected with H5N1 through drinking contaminated water. However, you should be cautious if you suspect contamination.
If you use raw water for irrigation:
- Avoid applying potentially contaminated water to fruit and vegetables that will be eaten raw.
- Consider alternative water sources if contamination is suspected
- Assess risks before using water for agricultural purposes.