Council to check fire fighting capacity

Taupo District Council will be testing 20 fire hydrants around Taupo during early January to ensure that when they need to be used – they are working.

 

The tests, which involve opening the fire hydrants for approximately 5 minutes, will confirm the hydrants are working properly. “Ensuring the fire hydrants have the correct water pressure for fighting fires is a priority for Council,” says Jeff Kivell, Council’s Programme Manager, Infrastructure Services.

 

“We use more water in January than any other month in Taupo, so testing at this time ensures that we have enough water for everyone plus capacity for fire fighting – the amount of water wasted is unfortunate, however it is crucial that we know the water pressure level is sufficient,” he says.

 

To minimise the water wasted, tests will only be 5 minutes instead of the original 30 minutes, which will still be adequate to determine the correct pressure is available to fire-fighters when required.

 

Residents and businesses in the testing areas will receive letters two days before testing starts, notifying them of the date and time of testing. “While we would like people to be carrying out their normal activities during this time, we suggest people don’t do their laundry to avoid any possible staining of clothes,” advises Mr Kivell.

 

Water may also be cloudy or look a little different from normal during the testing but will still be safe to drink. The cloudiness is caused by the air in the pipe mixing with the water when the water rushes down the pipe at the high pressures needed to fight fires. If your water remains discoloured for a long time after the testing, please contact council.

 

The crews and equipment used for the testing may take up parking spaces or block part of the street for a short time. Water pressure near to the hydrants will also be lower than normal during the testing. Affected residents and businesses are being asked for their patience during this time.