Water is a valuable resource, so protecting it is essential. Ensuring an adequate water supply all year round is a priority in rural areas susceptible to threats from water shortages, especially during bushfire season. Consequently, many rural landowners wisely put a bushfire management system in place that utilises natural water sources, including rainwater harvesting and water storage in rainwater tanks.
Water is essential for firefighting, and if your water source becomes compromised or inaccessible, it could mean the difference between saving your property and losing it. There are several steps you can take to protect your water source during bushfire season, including clearing the area around the water source, providing straightforward access, transferring and storing water in strategic locations, using rainwater harvesting tanks that are rated for bushfires, using fire brigade-friendly fittings, ensuring your rainwater tanks have enough capacity, and working with local suppliers to design an irrigation system that takes into account bushfire prevention needs.
Clear the area around the water source.
One of the first steps to protect your water source during bushfire season is to clear the surrounding area. This can help prevent the fire from spreading to your water source and make it easier for firefighters to access. Clear any flammable materials, such as dry leaves, twigs, and other debris around the water source. This will create a buffer zone that can slow down or even stop the spread of a fire.
Provide clear access.
Clear access to your water source is critical for firefighting purposes. Ensure the access road or path to your water source is clear and free of obstructions such as fallen trees or branches. If you have a gate or fence, ensure it is unlocked and can be easily opened by firefighters.
Transfer and store water in strategic locations.
Transferring and storing water in strategic locations during bushfire season is essential. This will help ensure that you have access to water when needed and can also help prevent your water source from becoming contaminated by fire or ash. Identify strategic locations to store water, such as large tanks or swimming pools, and ensure they are filled and ready to use.
Use rainwater harvesting tanks that are rated for bushfires.
Using rainwater harvesting tanks rated for bushfires is another essential step in protecting your water source during bushfire season. These tanks are designed to withstand a bushfire’s extreme heat and pressure and can help ensure access to water even if your primary water source is compromised. They are typically made from heavy-duty materials such as steel and come in a range of sizes to suit different needs.
Use fire brigade-friendly fittings.
Using fire brigade-friendly fittings such as Storz fittings is critical for ensuring that your local fire brigade can easily connect to your water source and use it for firefighting purposes. Storz fittings are standard fittings used by most fire brigades and are designed to connect and disconnect easily. They can connect hoses, nozzles, and other firefighting equipment to your water source.
Use fireproof water pipes.
Fireproof water pipes are also essential for protecting your water source during bushfire season. Fireproof water pipes are designed to withstand the extreme heat and pressure of a bushfire and can help ensure that water is delivered to the firefighting equipment without being compromised by fire or heat. These pipes are typically made from materials such as steel and are rated for use in bushfire-prone areas.
Ensure your rainwater tanks have enough capacity
Ensuring that your rainwater tanks have enough capacity is critical for ensuring that you have access to water during bushfire season. Tanks that are too small may need to provide more water to fight a fire effectively, while tanks that are too large may be difficult to fill and maintain.
Working with local suppliers who are familiar with the area and have experience in designing irrigation systems that take into account bushfire prevention needs is critical. A local rainwater tank supplier and irrigation equipment supplier can help you design a system that meets your specific needs and is tailored to your property, taking into account the need for an irrigation system for everyday use and an irrigation system that can be adapted in bushfire season.
For example, they can help you select the appropriate rainwater harvesting tanks rated for bushfires and have enough capacity to meet your needs. They can also help you design a system that includes a dedicated rainwater tank as a water source for firefighting purposes.
Additionally, they can assist in putting together a firefighting pump kit that includes water hoses and nozzles suitable for use in bushfire-prone areas. They can also ensure that the fittings used are fire brigade-friendly and can be easily connected to firefighting equipment and firefighting pumps.
Overall, working with local suppliers who understand the unique challenges of bushfire prevention can help ensure that your water source is protected during bushfire season. By designing a system that considers bushfire prevention needs, you can help ensure you have access to water when needed.
We encourage you to seek out your Nearest Think Water Store to help you design an irrigation system that meets your everyday needs and provides contingencies in the event of a bushfire.