❓ Hon Martin Aldridge asks about Water Corporation policy regarding water consumption charges for customers using water to fight fires. The Minister confirms a 20kL allowance and case-by-case reviews for extended use.
AnsweredQoN 63Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WATER CORPORATION —
WATER CONSUMPTION CHARGES — FIREFIGHTING
63. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the minister representing the
Minister for Water:
I refer to the impact of recent
bushfire events in Western Australia on Water Corporation customers who are
experiencing higher than usual water consumption charges arising from their
water usage for fire protection.
(1) Is the
minister aware that customers are receiving high water consumption charges as a
result of their attempts to defend their homes from fire?
(2) What is the
Water Corporation policy in relation to assisting water customers in these
circumstances?
(3) Will the
minister commit to reviewing any policy to ensure that customers are not
penalised for defending their homes from fire?
WATER CONSUMPTION CHARGES — FIREFIGHTING
63. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the minister representing the
Minister for Water:
I refer to the impact of recent
bushfire events in Western Australia on Water Corporation customers who are
experiencing higher than usual water consumption charges arising from their
water usage for fire protection.
(1) Is the
minister aware that customers are receiving high water consumption charges as a
result of their attempts to defend their homes from fire?
(2) What is the
Water Corporation policy in relation to assisting water customers in these
circumstances?
(3) Will the
minister commit to reviewing any policy to ensure that customers are not
penalised for defending their homes from fire?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question.
The following information has been provided by the Minister for Water.
(1)–(3) It is the policy of the Water Corporation that all
customers who have had to use scheme water for firefighting purposes are
provided with an allowance. The Water Corporation policy for customers
experiencing unexpected water use, as may occur for fire protection of
property, states that a 20 000 litre—or 20 kilolitre—water
allowance may be provided to assist customers who have defended their homes. A further
allowance may be granted if the customer was required to fight the fire for an
extended period and the estimated loss of water is more than 20 kilolitres.
This is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any customer receiving a bill for a period
during which they have had to use water to protect their properties from fire
should contact the Water Corporation's customer centre.
The following information has been provided by the Minister for Water.
(1)–(3) It is the policy of the Water Corporation that all
customers who have had to use scheme water for firefighting purposes are
provided with an allowance. The Water Corporation policy for customers
experiencing unexpected water use, as may occur for fire protection of
property, states that a 20 000 litre—or 20 kilolitre—water
allowance may be provided to assist customers who have defended their homes. A further
allowance may be granted if the customer was required to fight the fire for an
extended period and the estimated loss of water is more than 20 kilolitres.
This is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any customer receiving a bill for a period
during which they have had to use water to protect their properties from fire
should contact the Water Corporation's customer centre.
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