Emergency services depend on fire hydrants to save properties from fire damage while protecting residents from serious harm. Each community also depends on the water distribution system (WDS) to provide clean water for drinking and to manage their water requirements for their appliances, daily tasks, hygiene, and more.

The water main installation and repair process can be very dangerous when not managed properly. A major hazard is presented due to the weight of the soil and the risk of high-pressure leaks. A cubic yard of soil weighs approximately 4,000 pounds, posing a risk of death even when working in shallow trenches. Trench safety in the water industry calls for expertise, planning, and a proactive approach when undergoing water main installation and replacement, as well as water main repairs. Water main installation contractors can avoid trench collapses by taking every possible precaution to create safe working conditions.

A proactive maintenance approach increases the reliability of the water distribution system (WDS). Instead of addressing maintenance issues as they arise, problems are mitigated using asset insights to predict issues before they occur. The reactive approach or Run-To-Failure (RTF) mindset is far more costly and increases the risk of contamination or disruption to service.

As you know, chlorine kills bacteria in areas such as swimming pools and treats water at your local treatment facility. Used in the proper dosage, it helps ensure drinking water is safe by breaking down into hypochlorite ions and hypochlorous acid when it comes in contact with water. This reaction is very efficient at killing the microorganisms that make people sick.

What is Chlorinated Water?

Chlorine is a disinfectant that reduces or eliminates bacteria and viruses in water supplies. Although adding chlorine is essential to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases in our communities, residual chlorine in discharged water contributes to environmental degradation.

A fire emergency requires a reliable water source with functioning fire hydrants that are easily accessible by the fire department. Although most people don’t give fire hydrants much thought, the fire department in your community depends on them as an integral part of the fire safety system. Understanding fire hydrant bylaws will help you ensure that emergency responders have quick access to high-pressure water to reduce the risk of injury, death, and costly property damage.

Here we look at the fire hydrant bylaws you should know in Alberta and BC.

Fire hydrants are an integral part of both a community’s and a property’s fire safety system. By providing quick access to high-pressure water, fire hydrants make it possible for large fires to be put out swiftly, preventing them from causing further devastation. Of course, as with any safety system, proper and regular maintenance must be performed to ensure fire hydrants are ready for action when needed.

If you’re a property manager, you might be wondering if there is anything you need to do to ensure the fire hydrants on your property are up to code. In this article, we summarize some of the most critical information you should know about maintaining and servicing fire hydrants.

The History of Fire Hydrants

It's safe to say you've probably seen a fire hydrant or ten. There is one on almost every block in every city. But do you know how long we have been using fire hydrants? Who invented it? What was used to douse fires beforehand? And how do they compare to today's design?

What is World Water Day?

It is an annual United Nations Observance that initially started in 1993 that celebrates our planet and the abundance of an element that we hold so dear. Water! It also aims to raise awareness for the 2 billion people currently living without access to safe water. This is a core focus for World Water Day to inspire action towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 - Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.

There is a theme for World Water Day, and this year the article is Ground Water. Previous themes included Water Quality, Climate Change, Valuing Water, Water for Cities, Water for Life, and Water & Energy. Some heavy-hitting topics, especially because water is what keeps us (and cities) alive.

A uni-directional flushing program is among the best ways for municipalities to preserve the high quality of water and keep the water distribution system reliable.

Fire hydrants are a crucial part of the fire protection system for any municipality. Hydrants play a pivotal role in supplying additional water to help firefighters extinguish a fire and are placed with specific distances between each hydrant based on the location. But what would happen if these devices were found to be inoperable?

A water distribution system is the lifeline of every municipality. It provides the necessary resources for residents to consume and use in their daily lives. Whether it's supplying water to schools, hospitals, or industries, reaching these facilities is only possible through the help of a viable distribution system.

There are many things to consider when we talk about the safety of our cities and communities. Having information about some fire protection practices is essential for making informed decisions when needed. At Velocity Water Services, we strive to be transparent and responsible when we talk to the public about the importance of fire flow testing and additional maintenance to the water supply system. Our services include fire hydrant inspections, maintenance, and repairs in the municipal, private, and industrial sectors.

Velocity Water Services Blog

Electrolysis and How It Impacts Fire Hydrants and Other WDS Assets

Trench Safety in the Water Industry: Water Main Installation & Repairs

Proactive vs. Reactive WDS Maintenance: A Comparison of Cost Savings

Free Chlorine vs. Total Chlorine in a Water Distribution System (WDS)

The Benefits & Environmental Impact of Dechlorinating Water from Fire Hydrants

What is Chlorinated Water?

Fire Hydrant Bylaws You Should Know in Alberta & BC

9 Things Property Managers Need to Know About Fire Hydrant Maintenance