Consider your water supply in fire season
2 December 2025
North East Water is urging residents in bushfire-prone areas to prepare now for the fire season and ensure they have an independent water supply if they plan to stay and defend their property.
Bushfires can damage water infrastructure and cause power outages, which may result in town water stopping without warning.
General Manager Environment, Systems & Operations, John Day, said high demand during emergencies can also reduce water pressure and quickly deplete North East Water’s local storage tanks.
“Our systems are designed to supply drinking water to the community, not to fight bushfires,” Mr Day said.
“If demand from residents and the CFA spikes during a fire, water pressure could drop or the supply may stop altogether.”
Mr Day said the corporation takes proactive steps to keep services as reliable as possible during extreme conditions.
“We keep storages full and have generators on standby to maintain supply during emergencies. However, during a bushfire, we can’t guarantee water will be available from the tap.
“Residents are also asked not to leave garden or roof sprinklers running if they evacuate during a bushfire, as town water needs to be conserved for fire fronts.”
Defending a property requires planning and equipment, with the CFA recommending an independent water supply of at least 10,000 litres and a generator with enough fuel to operate a pump.
Residents are urged to fill emergency water storages well before the bushfire season, as queues at metered standpipes are common during periods of high fire danger.
To access metered standpipes, please click here and apply for a prepay electronic key.
For more bushfire preparation advice, visit cfa.vic.gov.au.