Every summer, as the weather becomes hotter and vegetation dries out, our region experiences a high fire danger period.
What Western Water is Doing
We’re working on protecting the mains water supply in the event of extreme conditions, by readying our people and our pipe networks. Our initiatives include:
- Placing back up generators at key sites
- Placing portable generators and water carters on standby
- Installing deluge (sprinkler) systems on our key pumping stations and treatment facilities
- Keeping our reservoirs in Mount Macedon at a minimum of 60% full
- Targeting our storage tanks at a minimum of 85% throughout summer
- Developing town protection plans in collaboration with the CFA.
In addition to this, our new $2.35 million storage tank at Loch Road, Mount Macedon, has increased storage capacity sevenfold.
Your Water Supply During a Bushfire
Despite our preparation efforts, Western Water cannot guarantee to maintain water pressure or an uninterrupted water supply during a bushfire.
- Loss of electricity may cause our pumps, which transfer water across the region, to fail.
- Extreme demand for water from residents and the CFA may also cause a reduction in water pressure throughout our pipe networks.
We recommend you consult the CFA about preparing your family and home for a bushfire.
How You Can Help
Hydrants throughout our region are essential to firefighting. By “adopting a hydrant” you will be helping firefighters get quick and easy access to water during a fire.
Help us to keep the hydrant nearest your property clear, visible and accessible at all times by:
- Clearing soil grass and shrubs from around the hydrant
- Keeping vehicles clear of the hydrant
- Reporting any visible faults, damage or missing markers to your local Council or Western Water on 1300 650 422.
Additional Information