West Aussies warned not to rely on scheme water during a bushfire
• Independent water supply and pumping capability is vital when planning to stay and defend home during a bushfire
• Damaged water infrastructure or power outage can cut the water supply to your home
• Forecast of above average spring temperatures and higher fuel loads mean communities should remain alert and prepare
Water Corporation is reminding residents who stay and defend property against a bushfire to have an independent water supply, as damaged infrastructure and power outage can quickly lead to a loss of scheme water supply.
In addition, high demand can cause a drop in water pressure and water supply tanks can quickly empty, even some distance from an active fire.
Water Corporation Operations Manager Barry Ford said while leaving early is always the safest option, residents planning to stay and defend their property must have an independent water supply.
“Our water supply network is designed to provide drinking water to the community, not fight bushfires, and staying to defend against a bushfire requires more equipment and planning than many people realise,” Mr Ford said.
“That includes having an independent water supply of at least 20,000 litres and a generator with enough fuel to power a water pump.”
According to AFAC’s Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2024*, a warmer than average forecast for spring means communities should remain alert and prepare their properties throughout this period.
Higher fuel loads following above average winter rainfall in southern WA has also increased the fire risk, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
As part of its bushfire preparedness program, Water Corporation undertakes a number of activities throughout the year to reduce the risk to critical water infrastructure.
This includes clearing land and access tracks within and around pump stations, storage areas and catchments, and having generators and emergency water carters on standby. During a bushfire it may not be safe for crews to manage or repair damage to the network.
“WA experienced a very long and hot, dry summer in 2023-24 and with the warmer weather already upon us, the threat of bushfire could be here before we know it.
“Take the time now to think about your bushfire survival plan and if you think you would stay to defend, make sure you have an independent supply ready.”
For more information on how a bushfire can impact your water supply, visit watercorporation.com.au/Help-and-advice/Water-issues/Natural-disasters-and-incidents/Bushfires-and-your-water-supply
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ My Bushfire Plan can help you prepare by creating a personal bushfire survival plan. Visit the My Bushfire Plan website at mybushfireplan.wa.gov.au or mobile app for more information.
To support bushfire plans, landowners or occupiers with safe access to bores, rivers, streams or creeks can take and store emergency water without it counting against their entitlements. For more information visit the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s website at www.water.wa.gov.au/fireplanning.
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Media contact:
Media Team
P: (08) 9420 2555
E: media@watercorporation.com.au
*Source: Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2024 produced by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), the national council for fire and emergency services in Australia and New Zealand.