13 February 2009
UPDATE ON BUSHFIRES IN CATCHMENTS
CURRENT AS AT 3.30pm, 13 February 2009
Melbourne Water advises that metropolitan water quality and supply to customers remain unaffected despite continued fire activity in some catchments.
Over 100 of Melbourne Water’s own fire fighting crews and planners are working closely with other agencies to minimise damage to the Maroondah catchment and prevent fire fronts from progressing into the Upper Yarra catchment.
Authorities, including the Department of Sustainability and Environment, are taking advantage of benign conditions over the next few days to establish control lines to protect the catchments.
The transfer of water away from reservoirs in the bushfire zones is continuing as a precaution, which will provide Melbourne with ample reserves while any short term impacts on reservoirs are managed. An intensive monitoring regime is in place to ensure water quality is maintained.
To date, the O’Shannassy, Armstrong, Maroondah, Wallaby and Tarago catchments have all experienced fire damage. Melbourne Water specialists expect to conduct a detailed assessment of this damage once it is safe to do so, and to then begin rehabilitation of these areas in earnest.
Community enquiries: Please refer any questions regarding bushfires to the Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 667. Any specific questions on local water supply should be referred to local water retailers.
Media Contact: (03) 9235 1544