Department of Health

Water supply safety for food preparation

Key messages

  • Some businesses and community groups rely on private water supplies for food preparation and drinking water.
  • Private water supplies may be contaminated with microorganisms or chemicals.
  • Business must ensure that the water they use is safe.
  • Water must treated correctly so that it is safe to use.

All businesses and community groups that rely on a private water supply for drinking (potable) water must take all reasonable precautions to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption.

Private water supplies can contain a wide range of disease-causing microorganisms and harmful chemicals if the water is not treated correctly. Private water supplies include water pumped from rivers, creeks, bores, dams and rainwater tanks.

The downloadable documents on this page provide the information food businesses need to ensure that their water supply is safe.

Reviewed 08 October 2015

Health.vic

Contact details

Food Safety Unit

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