Preparing for bushfire season

With forecasts pointing to a hot, dry summer and heightened fire conditions across parts of Victoria, now is the time to make sure you and your family are prepared.

Below-average rainfall, dry soils and fast-curing grass may create more intense and earlier fire conditions this year. This means there’s likely to be more demand for water during emergencies.

We’ve been testing emergency response systems and ensuring backup equipment is ready, and we need you to prepare too.

Understand the risks to your water supply

We can’t guarantee reliable water supply, pressure or quality during a bushfire. Bushfires can also damage our equipment, sometimes destroying the pipes that deliver water.

With drier conditions forecast it's essential to take small steps now to be prepared.

How to prepare

• Update your bushfire plan, including considering alternative waters sources if mains water is unavailable.
• Keep enough drinking water in your emergency kit for all family members and pets in case main pressure drops.
• Clear grass and vegetation from around fire hydrants so firefighters can locate and access them quickly.
• Stay informed

We’ll monitor conditions over summer and provide updates via text messages, our website and social media.

• Register for GWW text alerts on our contact us page, or give us a call on 13 44 99.
• Visit Prepare for bushfire season to stay up-to-date.
• Plan and prepare with CFA advice by visiting cfa.vic.gov.au.
• Use multiple sources in an emergency including the VicEmergency app, official agency social media channels, local radio and community networks.