With five kids under one roof, shower time at Veronica Versanyi's home happens under a strict schedule.

"If we have got the kids visiting friends or [if they] have sleepovers in town we encourage them to wash their hair while they're there, just so we can save water," she said.

Just 45 minutes from Canberra's city centre, Ms Versanyi is one of the many Tharwa residents struggling with a limited and unreliable water supply.

And now there are growing concerns about bushfire risk as they try to find a solution to the water supply problem.

'Very dangerous': River at its driest in 20 years

The lack of water in the town impacts all aspects of everyday life.

"Two days ago we took six loads of washing up to my parents' place in town and had that done up there," Ms Versanyi said.

But the problem goes beyond residents' household needs.

Southern ACT Bushfire Brigade President Steve Angus is concerned bushfires could impact the town. ( ABC News: Alexandra Alvaro )

Despite being part of the ACT, Tharwa Village is not connected to the territory's water supply, instead using a community-run system.

Residents rely on backyard tank water for showering and drinking, but garden water comes directly from the Murrumbidgee River.

It is drawn into a pump house by the river, and then pumped into the tanks next to the general store.

From there, it is fed through pipes to each of the 13 houses in the town.

That water keeps residents' properties bushfire ready and allows them to defend themselves in the event of a fire.

So far, the system has worked, but the Murrumbidgee River is the driest locals have seen in 20 years, and the pipes to the pump house are ageing.

It means Ms Versanyi has to send her children to the river to dig out sand, to allow more water into the pump.

"We need this water to make sure our gardens stay nice and moist and keep us safe," she said.

Nine-year-old Annika helps her family access water by digging in the nearby river. ( ABC News: Alexandra Alvaro )

Tharwa Community President Kevin Jeffery said it was concerning that the town was entering another year without a solution.

"This is a very dangerous one for us," he said.

"The village will not have any water supply at all probably come January."

Solution no closer as summer sets in

Locals have been locked in a stoush with the ACT Government around the town's water supply for years.

Most recently, the Government planned to install a firefighting water supply in the centre of town.

But locals rejected the plan, unhappy with the location and the fact that locals would not be able to access the supply themselves.

The application for the development has now been withdrawn, sending the Government back to the drawing board.

It means the town is now in the middle of another bushfire season without a solution.

Tharwa Community Association president Kevin Jeffery says residents are anxious to solve the water supply problem. ( ABC News: Alexandra Alvaro )

The president of the Southern ACT Bushfire Brigade, Steve Angus, fought the 2003 fires that burned through Canberra and is concerned about the potential for another.

He said there was no point installing a supply if locals were unable to have access, granting them the "best line of defence in a fire".

"All the Government's messaging in the current conditions is that we can't rely on having emergency services vehicles here if it all turns for the worst," he said.

"And yet they're spending a heap of money installing a water supply system purely for them.

"They talk about preparing your bushfire plan, and having your defences ready and cleaning your gutters but they're denying the residents of Tharwa access to a reliable water supply."

A Government spokesperson said it was addressing the community concerns, but did not indicate how likely it was that the Government would agree to giving locals access to the supply.

"Refinement of the proposed infrastructure to be located on North Street is currently underway to address concerns raised by the community in regards to visual impact and safety," the spokesperson said.

"An alternate single tank solution is also being considered that would further reduce the potential visual impact on North Street and the neighbouring property."

Mr Jeffery said it had been exhausting dealing with the Government on the issue, but he was hopeful the inquiry would solve the problem.

"All we're asking for is just some assistance and we're prepared to work with the Government," he said.

"It seems like we can't even have a conversation where we can work with the Government."

The city services department says it’s committed to working with the community on the issue.