How Much Water Do You Need for Bushfire Protection in SA?
Your sprinklers and hoses are only useful while they have water. On a bad fire day mains pressure can drop or fail, so homes in bushfire-prone areas rely on a dedicated firefighting water supply. Here is how South Australia sets the size of that supply, and what else it needs.
What the rules say
For new homes in designated bushfire-prone areas, South Australia’s building standard MBS 008 sets the size of the dedicated firefighting water supply. It ranges from 2,000 litres to 22,000 litres. The amount depends on the bushfire risk for your area, the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessed for your home, the size of your block and whether you are connected to mains water.
As a guide, homes in general or medium risk areas need the smaller volumes, while homes in high risk areas assessed at BAL-29 or above on blocks of 500 square metres or more need 22,000 litres. Your building approval will state what applies to your property.
Why the tank material matters
Above-ground firefighting tanks and their stands must be non-combustible, such as steel or concrete. A plastic tank can melt in a fire, losing your water when you need it most.
Fittings the CFS can use
Where fire fittings are required, the tank needs an outlet near the base ending in a 65 mm Storz fitting with a valve. This lets CFS crews connect to your water. There should also be a hard surface nearby for a fire truck to reach it.
Can it be part of my household tank?
Yes. Your firefighting supply can be a separate tank, or a reserved volume in a larger tank that also supplies your home. The outlets are set so household use cannot draw the water below the firefighting reserve.
Existing homes
If your home was built before these rules, there may be no set requirement. A dedicated supply is still one of the most useful things you can add, because without water your sprinklers and hoses will not run.
Need help preparing your property?
We install steel and concrete firefighting tanks with the right fittings, connected to your pump and sprinklers. Call 08 8337 4969 or request a quote online, and we will help you work out what your property needs.
