Coliban Water customers might notice a change in the taste and odour of their water during the cleaning program, which is due to begin on January 27 and run until late April.

The program will cover Bendigo, Axedale, Huntly, Marong, Sebastian and Raywood.

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During the cleaning works, only chlorine will be used in the water treatment process, rather than both chlorine and ammonia as is normally used.

People sensitive to chlorine are advised to pass drinking water through a purifier or filter, or let it sit in a jug in the fridge for 10 minutes before drinking.

Coliban Water's executive general manager for service delivery, Danny McLean, said the program of works was an important part of the routine maintenance that occurred every two to three years to ensure the safety of the water supply.

While the taste and smell of the water might change, there should be no difference in pressure or flow.

"It's important we do these works now to ensure disinfection is maintained throughout our network of pipes," Mr McLean said.

"This is part of our regular cleaning program for our network and at all times the water will remain safe to drink and meets the Australian drinking water guidelines."

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In some areas, chlorine levels might have dropped and this process will restore them to normal levels, so some people might experience more notable changes to taste and smell than others.

Once the works are finished, Coliban Water will return to the normal chloramination water treatment process.

The water will remain safe for animals to drink during the course of the cleaning program.

"We are also encouraging pet stores to review their water treatment processes if they intend on refilling an aquarium during this time," Mr McLean said.

More information can be found at the Coliban Water website.

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