Heatwave

Extreme heat or a heatwave is a period of unusually hot weather that can affect people’s health and place extra pressure on essential services, including drinking water supply.

During hot weather, water use increases as people try to stay cool and keep gardens alive. Demand is often highest in the early evening when many households are using water at the same time.

How heatwaves can impact water supplies

Heatwaves can affect water services in two main ways:

• Increased water use, which places pressure on local supply systems
• The risk of power outages, which can impact water treatment and pumping

When demand is very high, our systems can be put under strain, particularly during peak times.

How we prepare

In the lead up to hot weather, we make sure our water storages are kept as full as possible to support higher demand. This helps maintain supply across the network, including areas that rely on gravity-fed systems.

We also increase our readiness to respond quickly to any issues that could impact water treatment or supply.

What you can do

Small changes can make a big difference during a heatwave:

Drink water regularly to stay hydrated - being well hydrated helps your health in heat as your body loses more water through sweating
Keep a few bottles or jugs of drinking water in the fridge in case of an unplanned interruption
Keep showers short
Only run washing machines and dishwashers when you have a full load
Run appliances outside peak times where possible
Avoid watering gardens during the early evening peak (often between 6pm and 10pm)
Avoid overfilling pools and paddling pools - only top up if needed

Think before turning the tap on and consider whether the water use is essential.

Increased fire danger

Hot weather can increase fire danger ratings across the region. It’s important to stay informed by following official emergency channels such as VicEmergency.

If you live on a rural property, check your fire plan and consider whether you have an alternative water source available for fire preparedness. Find more information about your water supply in a fire here.

Garden watering

You can still water your garden in line with Victoria’s Permanent Water Saving Rules. During extreme heat, we ask that you consider whether watering is essential and avoid peak times where possible.

Choose tap and hydration stations

During hot weather, it’s important to make tap water your first choice to stay hydrated. Tap water is safe, healthy, and helps reduce waste from single-use bottles. It also supports you financially by avoiding unnecessary purchases.

We also provide hydration stations across the region in popular community areas, so you can easily access cool water. Click here to find a hydration station near you.

Report a problem

If you see a leak, burst water main or experience a loss of supply, please contact us 24/7 on 1800 454 500 or report a problem online here.