AWWU does not tolerate the misuse of fire hydrants.

In accordance with Anchorage Water Utility Tariff Rule 15.5B, the Utility has published fire hydrant use practices and fire hydrant use permits. In order to protect the public and our water distribution system, citations will be issued when violations are observed. Review and become familiar with AWWU’s requirements on fire hydrant usage. Lack of information about requirements is not an excuse, and will still result in enforcement action.

The fines listed below indicate the penalty amount for each type of violation. Users who are witnessed violating more than one prohibited act will be fined for each instance (see citation examples below). The Utility will consider prior violations when assessing fines for new violations.

* In addition to previous fines/citations

A 5^th offense may include a fine up to $1,000 AND revocation of hydrant use permit including the ability to obtain hydrant permits in the future.

These general practices shall be reviewed for updates by Field Service staff annually.

Example #1

Fred’s Hydroseeding has a valid permit to use red-top hydrants but is observed using a non red-top hydrant. The driver is asked to produce a copy of the Hydrant Use permit, but is unable to find one in the truck. In addition, it is noticed that they do not have a gate valve for the hydrant apparatus and used a pipe wrench to turn on and off the hydrant. Therefore:

Fred’s Hydroseeding would be issued a citation with a total of $300 in fines for violating AMC 26.40.040 (B)

$75 for Use of a non red-top or unapproved hydrant

$75 for Failure to carry hydrant use permit in truck.

$75 for Failure to use the required 1 ½ inch gate valve on hydrant apparatus

$75 for Failure to use a regulation fire hydrant wrench.

Example #2

A field inspector observes a mobile water tanker belonging to Conglomo Construction filling up at a red-top hydrant. The truck does not have a current inspection sticker, there’s no gate valve on the hydrant apparatus, no reduction in the plumbing to 1 ½ inches and the tanker has a “bottom fill” set up with no backflow prevention device in line. Upon researching for their permit, it is found one was never applied for. Therefore:

Conglomo Construction would be issued a citation with a total of $675 in fines for violating AMC 26.40.040 (B) & (E)

 $450 for Use of any fire hydrant without a valid hydrant use permit.

$75   for Failure to use the required 1 ½ inch (or smaller) gate valve on hydrant apparatus.

$75   for Failure to reduce plumbing down to 1 ½ inches

$75   for Use of any fire hydrant without required backflow prevention.