Yarra Valley Water urges customers to prepare now for fire danger period
With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting Australia could face one of its hottest summers on record, the water authority recommends communities in high fire risk areas have alternative water supplies on hand in the event of a bushfire emergency.
Victoria is one of the most fire-prone places in the world, with high-risk areas in Yarra Valley Water’s service area including the shires of Yarra Ranges, Nillumbik, Cardinia, Mitchell, and Murrindindi, and the cities of Hume, Whittlesea, Banyule, Manningham, and Maroondah.
Bridie Fennessy, General Manager Asset Services, said reliable water supply cannot be guaranteed during a bushfire emergency.
“Most people know the devastating impact bushfires can have on properties but may not be aware that they can damage water supply infrastructure too,” Ms Fennessy said.
“Bushfires are extreme, and customers can experience low water pressure, loss of supply or reduced water quality as a result. This could be because of equipment damage due to heat or fire, increased demand for water from firefighters, or power outages” she said.
Yarra Valley Water works with other agencies to prepare for the fire season and Ms Fennessy said the water corporation wants people in its service area to be ready too.
“The time to prepare is now, and we’d urge everyone to include drinking water in their bushfire kit. If you intend to defend your property, you also need to consider having an independent water supply as part of your bushfire plan,”
Ms Fennessy said it is also important for customers to update their contact details with a mobile phone number to receive SMS updates during an emergency affecting water supplies.
“If there is a bushfire in our service area, we’ll work with emergency services and affected communities to provide information about accessing alternative drinking water supplies,” she said.
Yarra Valley Water customers can update their details at yvw.com.au/mydetails
For more information about bushfires and your water supply – including quick links to CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria Fire Ready and Fire Survival guides - visit yvw.com.au/bushfireinfo