Fire Hydrants
The Municipality owns and maintains approximately 250 fire hydrants across the seven municipal water systems (Port Hastings, Judique, Port Hood, Mabou, Inverness, Whycocomagh and Chéticamp). The Municipality conducts regular maintenance of the hydrants, including inspections twice per year, in the spring and fall.
Fire hydrants provide the following critical services:
- Fire protection
- Ability to perform flushing and to remove entrapped air
Proper maintenance of hydrants protects public safety by ensuring hydrants are working in an emergency and by protecting the integrity of the municipal drinking water systems.
Private Fire Hydrants
A private fire hydrant is a hydrant connected to the municipal water system with a private owner. The private owner is responsible for the inspection and maintenance of the hydrant as set out in Bylaw #66.
Private hydrant owners must submit a Fire Hydrant Permit Form prior to performing any work on a private fire hydrant. Applications must be submitted a minimum of one week prior to the date of any proposed activity. No work is to occur prior to receipt of written approval from the Municipality.
Important information about hydrants
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback to the Municipality’s Public Works Department about:
- Hydrants that are leaking or damaged
- Unauthorized hydrant use
Hydrants that are damaged or non-functional are marked “out of service” until repaired and the local fire department is notified.
Who can use fire hydrants?
Fire hydrants are only intended to be used by the fire department for fire protection in emergencies or by municipal staff for water system operation and maintenance.
Requests to use fire hydrants for any other purpose can be submitted using the Fire Hydrant Permit Form. Applications must be submitted a minimum of one week prior to the date of any proposed activity. No work is to occur prior to receipt of written approval from the Municipality.
The Municipality will consider whether the request is appropriate, the qualifications of the person performing the work, and the availability of water and if approved, will provide written consent.
Hydrant access
To ensure public safety, fire hydrants must always remain accessible to fire departments. At least one metre around a hydrant must be kept free of trees, shrubs, fences, structures, or other obstructions to ensure municipal staff and firefighters can access a hydrant when needed.
Hydrant flushing
Hydrant flushing is performed for testing and water quality purposes. Flushing can be scheduled but is also done after a watermain break is repaired. You may notice discolouration of tap water during flushing or lower water pressure. If you notice discolouration, continue to run the tap until the water runs clear. Public notices are posted on the municipal website homepage and Facebook to notify of planned flushing or watermain break repairs.
Why does water discolouration occur during hydrant flushing?
Over time harmless mineral and sediment deposits accumulate at the bottom of water piping. Flushing causes high velocity flows that stir up the deposited sediment and minerals. This causes the water to appear discoloured.
Questions?
If you have any further questions and would like to speak to someone, call toll-free 1-866-258-0223, select option #4 or email publicworks@invernesscounty.ca.