Wastewater Management for Fire Affected Properties
Septic systems—including both traditional septic tanks and modern treatment plants—are typically made from concrete or plastic. Many setups also include electrical components such as pumps, control boxes, and plastic pipework laid in trenches or drip irrigation systems.
During a fire, any of these parts can be damaged, so it’s important to assess the entire system carefully before using it again.
Fact Sheet – Wastewater Management for Fire Affected Properties
Register for clean-up support
Free clean-up support is available for homes, business and community assets. Emergency Recovery Victoria will remove eligible damaged structures at no cost.
You might be eligible if your property:
- Is in an eligible council area
- Has structures damaged by the January 2026 bushfires
- Is not insured or is underinsured
Find more information and a registration form at: Register for clean-up support after the January 2026 bushfires | vic.gov.au
Emergency Recovery Victoria will never send people to your property without telling you. Anyone coming from Emergency Recovery Victoria will wear Victorian Government, ERV or Forge Solutions branding. They will have photo ID. We will have arranged a time with you for them to come. If you are unsure, please call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 to check.
Safe return to your property after a bushfire
Returning to your property after a bushfire can be overwhelming, and you may encounter a range of hazards.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and the Red Cross have both produced helpful guides with important safety information about going home after a bushfire. We encourage you to access these resources: