CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A set of rules for fire hydrant maintenance developed by a task force empaneled by state lawmakers is prepared for review and comment.
The task force was created in June of 2023 after an investigation into the maintenance and testing of fire hydrants statewide.
Morgantown Utility Board General Manager Mike McNulty, a member of the statewide task force that recently wrapped up its work and sent it to the state Public Service Commission, said the process has highlighted the importance of hydrants.
“You don’t think much about it until your house is on fire, I imagine,” McNulty said. “It’s very important that we have the capability to fight a fire, protect property, and save lives.”
The rules, which are now out for a 30-day comment before the PSC makes a decision, include a mandatory inspection of all hydrants statewide every year and testing for flow levels every five years. Inspections are also ordered after use or damage.
“I don’t know that you’ll see a lot of comments; I could be wrong,” McNulty said. “I felt like the task force was very thorough and the Public Service Commission did a great job.”
The flow test takes into account the effect on the system when there are simultaneous uses that can reduce the capacity of the entire system. The rules require utilities to maintain written records regarding flow testing.
“Measure the flow, look for pressure drops in the system, and establish the gallons per minute that will be available from that hydrant,” McNulty said.
Following the test, each hydrant will be color-coded to provide a quick read on what can be expected from a hydrant at a glance.
“Color coding is in the rules,” McNulty said. “When the fire department rolls up on a hydrant they’ll know exactly what they can expect to get.”
McNulty thanked the Public Service Commission for including MUB and Chief Engineer Cory Jones in developing the first hydrant inspection rules in the state.
It’s another great example of professionalism at the Morgantown Utility Board,” McNulty said. “What a great team of guys we have here.”