Hydrant & valve inspection, maintenance and replacement program

What's happening? 

The maintenance work will check if the hydrant can produce water, identify ageing infrastructure which needs replacing to prevent future leaks and breaks, and ensure our hydrants comply with current fire management standards.

Hydrant: A connection point for firefighters to access water from the local water supply scheme. Most hydrants and valves are in residential verges covered by white a lid.

Valve: Controls the flow of water through the water pipes.

How will this impact the community? 

• Residents may notice operators testing the hydrant to check it can produce water.
• If the hydrant needs to be replaced there may be an increase in noise, dust, and activity. 
• Residents may notice more vehicles and noise near their property if they live near a hydrant or valve.
• This work may result in temporary interruptions to water service.If a temporary water supply interruption is required for operators to complete the work safely and flush the network:
  • All attempts to avoid and reduce impact to the community will be considered before progressing work.
  • We will aim to keep water outages under 6 hours.
  • Residents will be notified at least 48 hours before a planned water outage.
  • Residents may notice reduced pressure once water has been switched off. This will slowly return to normal after work is complete.
  • We will turn the water back on slowly to minimise air in the pipes and water discolouration.
• Our construction methods may mean unavoidable impact to properties, roads, footpaths, and verges, including reticulation. Access to footpaths may be restricted and will be made safe until permanently repaired. Disturbed driveways or verges will be restored to original condition once work is complete. We will work closely with customers impacted by this.
• Traffic management will be in place if required for our maintenance and replacement activities.
• Customers may notice a tanker in the area which is used to collect excess water. This water is re-used where possible.

We remind customers living in high bushfire risk areas that an independent water supply is necessary, should you choose to stay and actively defend your home. All efforts are made to maintain scheme water supply during a bushfire, however damaged infrastructure or a cut to power may result in a total loss of water. See Bushfires & water supply for more information.

We have been working with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) to ensure fire hydrants across the state comply with the agreed design standards. 

As part of this commitment, we have an ongoing program of works to replace fire hydrants across WA. 

Where is hydrant and valve replacement taking place?