Hydrant Replacement Program

hydrant_replacement_program

Project summary

To safeguard the public by ensuring fire hydrants are accessible and fully functioning, Unitywater is conducting a fire hydrant replacement program.

The $4.6 million per year infrastructure maintenance project will replace old cast iron fire hydrants and valves in the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions with new, long lasting equipment which offers improved flow rates.

These vital works are needed to ensure that emergency services personnel have easy access to hydrants and sufficient water pressure and flow rates to fight a fire.

Fast facts

Location	Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions
Benefits	Improved safety for fire fighting
Commencement	Mid 2010
Completion	Ongoing
Funding	$4.6 million per year

Project background

Old cast iron fire hydrants and valves can have reduced flow rates, meaning that water pressures and flows are not at optimal levels to fight a fire.

Some fire hydrants have also been obstructed by landscaping and are not easily accessible to emergency services personnel.

The fire hydrant replacement program improves safety by relacing aged hydrants and valves with new long-lasting equipment that offers improved flow rates.

Project details

The program is being rolled out across the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions on an ongoing basis.

Currently, fire hydrants and valves are being replaced in Clontarf, until February 2012.

On the Sunshine Coast, the program is in the Noosa Heads area until early-July.

Residents are informed in writing 2-4 weeks prior to the commencement of works and also receive a water interruption notice 48 hours before any disruptions to water supply. Unitywater staff personally visit businesses and group complexes to determine the best time to interrupt water supply.

Following hydrant replacement, some water mains flushing is required to remove sediment and ensure continued high quality water supply and this may result in discoloured water for a short period. Residents who experience dirty water should run taps for up to five minutes until the water runs clear.

While Unitywater will endeavour to return nature strips to the same condition following fire hydrant replacement, in some instances this may not be possible, for safety reasons.

Where landscaping or other structures inhibit access to a fire hydrant, we will not be replacing these features, as access to fire hydrants on council-owned land is the number one priority in the case of emergency.

Unitywater appreciates the community’s support and understanding as we carry out this critical community service.