WATER Corporation is reminding residents in bushfire-prone areas around Perth not to rely on scheme water if staying to defend their property during a bushfire.

Bushfires can damage water infrastructure and cause power outages, which means scheme water may stop without warning. High demand during emergencies can also reduce water pressure and quickly empty local tanks, even in areas far from the fire front.

Perth Field Services head Mark Crabtree said leaving early is always the safest option, but those who choose to stay need to be fully prepared.

“Our water network is designed to provide drinking water to the community, not to fight bushfires,” Mr Crabtree said.

“Defending a property requires more planning and equipment than many people realise, including an independent water supply of at least 20,000 litres and a generator with enough fuel to operate a pump.”

The Bureau of Meteorology’s climate outlook for summer 2025–26 forecasts hotter than normal conditions across Perth with a high chance of extreme heat and likely dry conditions, increasing the chance of bushfires.

Water Corporation undertakes a number of activities throughout the year to reduce risk to critical infrastructure during a bushfire.

This includes clearing land and access tracks within and around pump stations, storage areas and catchments, and having generators and emergency water carters on standby.

However, during a bushfire, it may not be
safe for crews to access or repair damaged assets.

For more information on how bushfires affect water supply, visit: watercorporation.com.au and search ‘bushfire’.