Bushfire season is now upon us

As summer begins residents living in a bushfire prone area are reminded they cannot rely on scheme water supplies during a bushfire if they plan to stay and defend their home.

While Water Corporation would do all it could to maintain scheme water during a bushfire, damaged infrastructure or a cut to power can result in the loss of public water supplies. High demand can also lead to a drop in water pressure and water supply tanks can empty quickly.

Water Corporation Operations General Manager Pat Donovan said residents planning on defending their home in the event of a bushfire must ensure they have an independent water supply, and a pumping capability in the event of a total loss of power.

“If you choose to stay and defend on the assumption water will keep coming out of your taps – the consequence could be loss of life,” Mr Donovan said.

“It is crucial you have your own water supply if you intend to stay and defend your home.

“The scheme water network is designed to provide drinking water to the community - it is not designed for fighting bushfires.

“Water Corporation is prepared for the bushfire season but cannot guarantee scheme water can be maintained during a bushfire.”

To support bushfire plans, people with groundwater bores and surface water access can take and store emergency water without it counting against their entitlements. For more information on this and for the location of emergency bushfire water supplies in dryland agricultural areas visit http://www.water.wa.gov.au/fireplanning

The timely reminder comes as Water Corporation begins the final stage of a five-year, $12.5 million program to install an additional 270 new fire hydrants across the State, starting in Nannup and Greenbushes this month.

Additional fire hydrants will also be installed over the next six months in Katanning, Kojonup, Kalbarri, Pingelly, Lancelin, Ledge Point, Karakin, Woodanilling, and Two Rocks.

Water Corporation worked in consultation with DFES, Main Roads WA and local government authorities to determine the best locations for the hydrants and has already installed around 2,400 additional hydrants.

To prepare for a bushfire, including having an independent water supply, go to: www.firechat.wa.gov.au