A council worker was hospitalised after a water tanker rolled back into a creek off Dowling Lane in North Wangaratta as it was filling up on Thursday afternoon.

Rural City of Wangaratta Council director of community and infrastructure Marcus Goonan said the worker tripped and broke his foot as he was exiting the vehicle, which had plunged into the water.

Paramedics were called and treated the man, taking him to hospital.

Mr Goonan said the man was okay on Friday morning but was looking at a relatively long recovery.

He said council was continuing to investigate how the truck dropped into the water.

Council was able to tow the truck out of the water following the incident.