Technical services director Chris Devitt reported on the February 11 incident at Tuesday’s meeting, saying the water reticulation team had already been given extra resources to focus more on hydrant and valve maintenance.

“It is also proposed that an independent investigation be undertaken into the issues surrounding the events which led to the inadequate water flows in William Street on Saturday, February 11 and an assessment made of the response by council to this issue,” he said.

The internal investigation will be carried out with the help of expert assistance as required, which will also measure the proposed improvements against industry best practice.

Water pressure at the site was seven litres a second when 20 litres a second were needed after a number of valves were switched off due to a leak at the roundabout of Dalton and McLachlan streets.

As a result, William Street was only supplied from the south at the time of the fire.

Mr Devitt said water staff called to the blaze were not aware the valves had been closed and only discovered the right ones through systematic checking.

He said valve settings needed to be changed on occasion to isolate leaks, but they needed to be assessed based on their impact on the wider network, not just the immediate area.

He recommended adjustments to the network computer model and fully documenting all work, as well as on-ground pressure and flow testing.

“As well, the proposed timing of any resultant remedial works must be identified and programmed appropriately,” he said.

Mr Devitt also recommended affected water users be notified if valve closures caused a fall in pressure or flow and advise NSW Fire & Rescue if changes had the potential to affect firefighting capability.

He said the valve maintenance program would concentrate on commercial areas, industrial areas, schools, and known low-pressure areas. 

Councillor Kevin Duffy asked for an external review.

“When something like this happens, people are looking for answers,” he said.

However councillor Jason Hamling said there was no need.

“I’m pretty happy with the explanation we’ve got here,” he said.

“I trust the staff and the report they’ve given us.”

General manager Garry Styles pointed out he carried out the Westgeest development application investigation with expert help and Cr Duffy withdrew the motion.