HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2012-10-12 hydrant meter changes
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
Leesburg Utilities Department Increases Water System
Security With Changes to Hydrant Meter Rental Program
Leesburg, VA (October 12, 2012) – To increase the security of the
Town’s water system, the Leesburg Utilities Department will limit
the number of fire hydrants that contractors can use as filling
locations, beginning on November 1, 2012.
The Utilities Department leases water meters to contractors that
they can connect to a fire hydrant to draw water. The contractors
then pay for the water they use based on the meter reading.
Currently, contractors are allowed to connect rented water meters
to any fire hydrant in the Town’s water system. After November 1,
2012, contractors will be able to draw water from only six specially
designated fire hydrants, each painted yellow.
“We’ve had the hydrant meter rental program for years, allowing contractors to connect to any
hydrant,” explained Amy Wyks, Leesburg’s Utilities Director. “However, it is essential to ensure
our water system has a reliable flow for fire suppression. A designated hydrant meter program
will minimize the effects that large withdrawals of water can have on the system, and also
address security and safety concerns.”
“In addition, we get numerous calls from citizens who see people drawing water from fire
hydrants, and they don’t know whether the connections are authorized or not. Starting in
November, if citizens see anyone other than Town staff, or the fire department, drawing water
from a fire hydrant that isn’t yellow, it is an illegal connection and they should report it to the
Town,” she continued.
Illegal connections to Town of Leesburg fire hydrants are violations of the Town Code. Citizens
should report any suspicious activities or suspected violations to the Leesburg Utilities
Department at 703-669-3163.
Contact:
Amy Wyks, P.E.
Director of Utilities
awyks@leesburgva.gov
703-737-7119
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