News

Graham Bill Directs WASA To Maintain DC Fire Hydrants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Yuckenberg
(202) 727-5820

October 24, 2007

Washington, DC: Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) introduced emergency legislation yesterday to clarify the responsibility of WASA to maintain the District’s fire hydrants. The bill was unanimously passed by the Council.

Up to this point, it was unclear whether or not it was the job of WASA or the fire department to test and maintain fire hydrants. The bill clarifies this responsibility by requiring the WASA Board to lead this effort.

The bill also requires fire hydrants to have reflective bands to clearly indicate their water pressure.

The bill directs the WASA Board to develop a plan to ensure all of the fire hydrants in the District of Columbia have adequate water pressure.

“Without this clarification,” said Graham, “there was confusion between the agencies.”

Earlier this month in Adams Morgan, the fire department was unable to put out a fire because of a lack of water pressure. The firefighters had to fight the blaze for more than six hours, even though they responded within 1 minute and 48 seconds of the first 911 call. Firefighters were left scrambling to find a fire hydrant with enough water pressure.

Councilmember Graham heard testimony from WASA and the fire department during an October 4 public hearing. “Testimony clearly demonstrated a lack of coordination,” said Graham.

Due to this lack of coordination, the WASA Board and the fire department must also designate a current staff person to act as a liaison with the other agency.

“While this will not resolve the problem of the District’s aging water system,” said Graham, “the bill clarifies the responsibilities of WASA in an effort to improve the District’s fire safety.”

Councilmembers Phil Mendelson (D-At Large), Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), and Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), were co-introducers.

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