Water boost for bushfire-affected customers in Perth's north

View of the fire from Water Corporation’s Wanneroo Groundwater Treatment Plant (23 November 2023)

• Water allowance up to 50,000 litres for bushfire-affected residents and business customers in warning area
• Private water tanks to be refilled free of charge

Residents and business customers impacted by the Mariginiup bushfire will have access to financial relief and additional support, as part of a Water Corporation assistance package announced today by Water Minister Simone McGurk.

The fires, which burned through approximately 2000 hectares and destroyed 18 homes, were brought under control by firefighters on Sunday.

To support those affected, Water Corporation will provide a suite of assistance measures, including a water use allowance up to 50,000 litres, automatically applied to scheme water users within the fire warning area.

The allowance contributes to the extra water used protecting property, and during subsequent cleaning and repairs.

Those not connected to scheme water will have domestic water tanks refilled at no cost. Damaged water meters will be repaired or replaced without charge.

Water Corporation customers whose property was destroyed will also have new and existing water use charges waived, and service charges waived until 2024. 

Despite significant impact to water supply infrastructure in and around Wanneroo, including damage to the Wanneroo Groundwater Treatment Plant, Water Corporation crews maintained water supply to firefighters and the wider community throughout the emergency response.

This was achieved in part by redirecting large volumes of water from suburbs north of the Perth CBD to reservoirs around Wanneroo, ensuring ample water supply to those who needed it most while avoiding interruptions elsewhere.

More information about assistance available to bushfire-affected residents can be found via: watercorporation.com.au/wanneroofires

For further information about bushfires and your water supply, visit watercorporation.com.au/bushfires

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

"In situations like this, it's heartening to see the response by various agencies to help our incredible emergency services crews.

"I'm pleased to see such a prompt response to assist impacted residents and business customers – both those who are connected to scheme water and those who maintain a private water supply.

"I would also like to thank those across the metropolitan area who reduced unnecessary water usage over the weekend, despite hot temperatures, to further support firefighting efforts."

Comments attributed to Wanneroo MLA Sabine Winton:

"This is welcome news for local residents and businesses impacted by the recent fires.

"This has been a difficult time for the community and the financial relief and additional support from Water Corporation means those impacted can focus on what is really important and have access to water they need to clean up and recover."