As the bushfire season begins to make its present known with warmer temperatures and the summer heat ahead, the Minister for Water, Dave Kelly has warned property owners not to rely on their scheme water supply if they decide to stay and defend their property.
Mr Kelly said heat-damaged water infrastructure or power outage could result in a loss of supply with high levels of demand likely to cause a drop in pressure and water supply tanks could empty quickly.
Mr Kelly said climate change was putting Western Australians at greater bushfire risk than ever before.
“Scheme water supply cannot be relied upon during a bushfire, if you choose to stay and defend your home, you must have an independent water supply and power source,” he said.
“While Water Corporation does everything possible to maintain supply, water tanks and pump stations could be damaged before the fire front reaches your property.”
He said that while leaving high-risk bushfire areas was the safest option, people planning to defend their home must have an independent water supply such as water tanks and pumping capability in the event of power loss.
He said the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook: December 2020 – February 2021 forecasts greater fire risk this bushfire season, with Swan Coastal Plain, Avon Wheatbelt, Jarrah Forest, Warren, Mallee and Esperance Plains bioregions all being identified as having ‘above normal fire potential.
He said Water Corporation was preparing for the bushfire season by clearing land and access tracks within and around its pumping stations, storage areas and catchments, as well as positioning generators and emergency water carters on standby.
“However, it may not be safe for its crews to enter a bushfire zone to manage or repair the network,” Mr Kelly said.
He said the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ new My Bushfire Plan website and mobile app could guide users through the creation of a plan that can be completed in minutes.
The app is available from the App Store, Google Play or at this PS News link.
