Static Water Supply (SWS)
NSW Rural Fire Service
For the latest information on current bushfire warnings and bushfire safety resources visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au [external link]
Fact
During bushfires, firefighters often have difficulty getting enough water. There may not be enough water in the mains to fight a major bushfire. Static water supplies, such as swimming pools, tanks and dams, may be vital sources of water for firefighters.
About the Static Water Supply (SWS) Program
The StaticWater Supply (SWS) program is aimed at identifying properties with sources of water supply such as dams, creeks or swimming pools that can be used for firefighting purposes. ln the event of a fire, the SWS sign and your water tank or backyard pool could save your home.
The SWS program is used to identify the location of swimming pools and other water sources in areas of high bushfire risk.
The backyard swimming pool provides an ideal emergency water supply for firefighters, using small portable pumps and hose lines, to protect your home and possessions. Your pool water will only be used as a last resort during major bushfires. The SWS sign is provided free.
lf your house or property has a water source, such as a swimming pool, tank or dam, you can assist firefighters by prominently displaying a SWS plate at your property boundary so that it is readily visible from the road. Your voluntary inclusion in this program may assist the fire service to extinguish a fire should one occur in or near your home or a neighbour's home or property.
To sign up to the SWS program, contact your local fire station. To find your nearest fire station enter your suburb or postcode on the find a fire station page.
In an Emergency Call Triple Zero (000)
A collaboration of the Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Fire Brigade and ACT Rural Fire Service