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Emergencies and your water supply
We are prepared for emergencies and have plans in place to protect our water supply.
We aim to minimise disruption to our services, all year round – even in times of extreme heat, fire or flood.
Despite our preparation, we can't always guarantee constant water pressure, uninterrupted water supplies or fully operational sewerage systems during an emergency.
Our water systems are designed to meet normal water demand. A large increase in water use, or damage to our infrastructure from an event such as a bushfire, can cause reduced water pressure – or even no water being supplied – to affected areas.
Be prepared for bushfire season. Make a survival plan, have other sources of water ready and know what to do in an emergency.
The CFA has some great resources, including the Fire Ready Kit to help you understand the risks on your property and how to be prepared for a bushfire.
Have another source of water
The CFA advises to leave early in the event of a bushfire.
If you plan to stay and defend your property, you should consider including an alternate water source in your bushfire plan. Reticulated water systems are not designed to manage the pressure of bushfire events and could be damaged by fire or experience reduced pressure from firefighting efforts.
Alternate water sources could include water tanks, dams, swimming pools, wheelie bins or 200 litre drums. A special pump is also needed to draw water from an independent supply.
You should also consider keeping at least three litres of fresh drinking water per person for three days on hand for emergencies.
Emergency telephone numbers
Emergency: 000
VicEmergency hotline: 1800 226 226
Wildlife rescue: 1300 094 535
State Emergency Service: (SES) 13 25 00
Vicroads road closure information: 13 11 70
Download the VicEmergency App via the App Store or Google Play