Low water pressure in parts of Sydney is hindering fire crews trying to fight blazes, increasing the chance of deaths, injuries or property damage, fire authorities warn.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In some cases, fire crews have been forced to pump water long distances and Sydney residents and businesses have installed their own emergency water supplies at great cost.
But Sydney Water said the upgrades that Fire and Rescue NSW says are needed to ensure public safety would cost more than $1 billion and drive up water bills.
Sydney Water reduced water pressure in parts of its network two years ago to help prevent leaks and breaks.
But Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said the new water pressure and flows "do not appropriately support" firefighting activities, potentially threatening the protection of life and property.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal is reviewing Sydney Water's operating licence to 2020.
In a letter to IPART, Mr Mullins said fire crews are "almost entirely dependent" on the Sydney Water network, and recent changes had left areas where "insufficient pressures and flows are provided" by fire hydrants.
"The implications for the community include possible delays in fire brigade intervention resulting in increased property loss and perhaps injuries and deaths," Mr Mullins wrote.
He said the new operating licence should include "an ongoing community safety obligation" to provide minimum pressure and flows, adding water agencies such as Canberra's ACTEW provide flows recommended by the fire brigade.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Whybro told Fairfax Media that in some cases, crews have been forced to pump water from distant mains or use dams, on-site water tanks and rivers.
He cited examples in the eastern suburbs and northern beaches where residents, developers and businesses have installed expensive on-site water tanks and pumps to provide a firefighting water supply.
"[If] Sydney Water's operating licence does not consider the provision of adequate water for firefighting ... in the future, corporatised or privatised agencies may seek to avoid such responsibilities," he said.
A Sydney Water spokesman said the water pressure program affects about 22 per cent of the network and "only reduced pressure in areas where it was exceptionally high".
He said an initial assessment showed around 90 per cent of Sydney Water's network met FRNSW's requirements, and water was moved around the network during major incidents to ensure adequate supply.
The spokesman said Sydney Water was not solely responsible for fire safety, which also involves "planning controls, building codes, water supply networks, on-site fire systems and response capabilities".
Meeting FRNSW's request would cost more than $1 billion, "increasing customer bills while focusing on just one aspect of fire safety," he said.
IPART says the two organisations should enter a deal that includes arrangements for Sydney Water to consult with fire authorities. A spokeswoman said the issues raised are "potentially significant, but further investigation is required".
The draft licence has been released for comment before final recommendations are made to the NSW government.
