Bushfire Impact on Drinking Water Distribution Networks and Investigation Methods: A Review

Abstract

Bushfire events can directly and indirectly impact drinking water distribution networks. Water authorities around the world have experienced compromised water supply and quality in the aftermath of recent bushfires, necessitating costly investigation and repair. Future climate models predict an escalation of bushfire weather events with a significant increase in the severity and frequency in many regions, for which water authorities must now prepare. Currently, there is no systematic review on the impact that bushfires can have on drinking water networks and how these impacts can be evaluated and investigated. The current study provides a systematic review of academic literature, agency response, water operator reports and media releases on these two emerging topics. On bushfire impacts, the review focuses on the physical impact to water assets, potential risk to water quality in the distribution network, and possible interruptions to water supply. On evaluation and investigation methods, the review summarizes available testing methods for evaluating physical damages to assets, identification of chemical or biological contaminants that may compromise water quality, and the identification of, or elective, interruption of water service. Gaps in our knowledge on how drinking water assets are physically damaged and how services are interrupted due to water quality testing or results are also identified to inform water operators, government agencies and researchers. Further research into the impact of bushfire temperature and duration on various types of pipe materials exposed is discussed.