Hydrant Information Booklet - City West Water · 8 ydrant nformation ooet ydrant nformation ooet 9 Appendix 1 – Hydrant Permit General Information HYDRANT PERMIT IT IS AN OFFENCE

Hydrant Information BookletThis booklet explains how to safely and legally

access City West Water hydrants.

ii 1Hydrant Information BookletHydrant Information Booklet

Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1

Consequences of improper hydrant operation ........................................................... 1

What are the different types of hydrants? ......................................................................2

When operating a hydrant, remember: ...........................................................................4

Connecting up ..........................................................................................................................5

Disconnecting ..........................................................................................................................5

Call City West Water ................................................................................................................6

How to apply for a hydrant permit ...................................................................................6

Minimum Backflow Requirements for Tankers connecting to City West Water hydrants ......................................................................................................7

City West Water audits ...........................................................................................................8

Appendix 1 - Hydrant Permit General Information .....................................................9

Appendix 2 – City West Water Fire Hydrant Audit Checklist for Water Carriers .......10

Appendix 3 – Suburbs Covered by City West Water ................................................ 11

Appendix 4 – Different types of Hydrant Connections .......................................... 12

Contents Introduction

Consequences of improper hydrant operation

City West Water has over 4,000 kilometres of water mains and 32,250 hydrants in our service area.

These hydrants are primarily for fire fighting; however in certain circumstances they can be used by authorised persons to draw water for water carting.

In order to legally draw water from City West Water hydrants and fireplugs, you are required to have a valid permit.

Permits are issued on the condition that operators are adequately trained and that vehicles incorporate appropriate backflow prevention measures. All vehicles to be included in the permit must undergo and pass a backflow audit.

In order to legally draw water from City West Water hydrants and fireplugs, you are required to have a valid permit.

Drawing water from hydrants can significantly affect flows within local pipes.

Turning the water on or off too quickly can result in a shock-wave (or water-hammer) running through the pipes and causing damage.

It is essential that care is taken when operating a hydrant. The consequences of rushing to shut off the flow can be very significant. Hydrants must always be turned on or off slowly.

2 3Hydrant Information BookletHydrant Information Booklet

What are the different types of hydrants?

There are several types of hydrants in use in City West Water’s area of operation.

L-Type Hydrant Cover

Below-ground Hydrant cover

Pillar-ball Hydrant (PBH)L-Type Hydrant with no cover

Below-ground Hydrant

Hydrants with red pillar ball covers or black covers (as shown top and bottom on the left) are not to be used for drawing water as they are connected to distribution water mains.

L-Type Hydrant Cover (Black)


When operating a hydrant, remember:

Is it safe to access?

If the hydrant is located on a busy road use safety and traffic management measures including traffic cones and signs. Water carters should also wear a safety vest. If possible, your water carter’s truck should be safely parked in designated parking bays.

Valid Permit

Ensure you have a valid City West Water permit, that you are trained and have the correct equipment.

Connecting up

A. Make sure your backflow prevention measures are working, including using an approved reduced pressure zone device (RPZD) or having your vehicle equipped with an air gap.

B. Connect to the hydrant using the correct fittings and equipment, including the hydrant key.

C. Slowly turn the water on in an anti-clockwise direction.

D. Avoid spraying water over the road.

Disconnecting

A. Slowly turn the water off in a clockwise direction. This is absolutely essential to avoid the hydrant seizing.

B. Disconnect and ensure the site is safe.

C. Replace the hydrant covers.

Pick your hydrant

Remember, hydrants with red pillar ball or black tops cannot be used to collect water.

Do you have the correct equipment for this hydrant?

This includes using a hydrant key and a hose with the correct nozzle.


Hydrant and fire plug leaks are often caused by a number of factors beyond your control. For example, stones or grit caught in the fire plug, worn insertion rubbers or a damaged hydrant ball.

If you experience ANY difficulties:

DO NOT use excessive force to remove the connection

DO NOT turn the water on and off quickly to try and disconnect

CALL City West Water on 1300 299 228 and City West Water staff will respond at no charge to assist.

How to apply for a hydrant permit

To apply for a permit to use a hydrant in City West Water’s service area, you will need to obtain an application form from City West Water and email, fax or mail it to City West Water as indicated.

In order to prevent backflow, you will be required to use an approved device in accordance with the relevant standards such as:

A: Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD)

B: Physical Air Gap (air gap to be in accordance with the relevant standards)

Call City West Water

If you experience trouble connecting or disconnecting please call City West Water on 1300 299 228

Direction of flow

Strainer

Air in through vent

Reduced Pressure Zone

Minimum Backflow Requirements for Tankers connecting toCity West Water hydrants

A

B

Cross-section of a Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD)

Water Tanker with air gap

Air Gap

Permanently Attached Pipe

Hose Connections3” Camlock Part C Type Fitting

Two spring loaded check


Appendix 1 – Hydrant Permit General Information

HYDRANT PERMIT

IT IS AN OFFENCE TO DRAW WATER FROM A HYDRANT

OR FIRE PLUG WITHOUT A PERMIT

Any operators of vehicles found to be connecting to City West Water hydrants without a valid

permit will face prosecution.

Important Information

Permits are issued on the condition that operators are adequately trained and vehicles

incorporate an appropriate Backflow Prevention device such as an Air Gap or a Reduced

Pressure Zone Device.

Where tankers have been used to transport substances other than drinking water a Reduced

Pressure Zone Device must be used.

Any new vehicles that are to be listed on your permit must undergo, and pass, an audit of the

backflow prevention device fitted to the vehicles. If you access the hydrants using a standpipe

only, this must also be fitted with an appropriate backflow prevention device. In addition, it

must have been presented to City West Water for inspection and consent prior to connection to

any hydrants within the City West Water licence area.

** Black Top Hydrants are not to be used for drawing water as they are connected to distribution

water mains.

** The permit holder may also require an exemption to draw water from hydrants in times

of water restrictions. For purposes other than domestic use, stock feeding, fire fighting or

construction, an approved City West Water exemption will be a requirement of your permit. If

the current stage of water restrictions is increased to a higher level, you must again re-apply for

your exemption.

Contact City West Water on 1300 299 228 for more information.

City West Water audits

City West Water authorised staff will randomly audit hydrant permit holders accessing hydrants to ensure compliance with the requirements of this booklet and that users hold a valid permit.

Log books recording details of hydrant access need to be completed every time a hydrant is accessed and copies must be returned to City West Water as per the Hydrant Permit. Log sheets will be also randomly audited by City West Water.

Accessing a hydrant without a valid permit may result in prosecution and recovery of costs for any damage or loss caused.


Appendix 2 – Suburbs Covered by City West Water Notes...................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Mel

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Sprin

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Wer

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Brim

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Mar

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Mel

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Moo

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Hum

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Yarr

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Hob

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M

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Werribee River

Little River

Yarr

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Mer

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Port

Phi

llip

Bay


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Printed on recycled paper

Connections enquiries: 1300 299 228Internet: citywestwater.com.auEmail: [email protected]

Documents

Hydrant Information Booklet - City West Water · 8 ydrant nformation ooet ydrant nformation ooet 9 Appendix 1 – Hydrant Permit General Information HYDRANT PERMIT IT IS AN OFFENCE