Fire Hydrant Maintenance Agreement Finalized 
Press release
October 26, 2007

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October 26, 2007

Fire Hydrant Maintenance Agreement Finalized

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty today announced with DC Fire EMS (FEMS) Chief Dennis L. Rubin and DC Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) General Manager Jerry N. Johnson that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed to improve maintenance and standards for fire hydrants in the District of Columbia. The agreement outlines the financial and physical responsibilities of each agency, removing confusion from the process of up keep for the city’s more than 9,000 public fire hydrants.

“DC Fire EMS and WASA will now have a standard system for identifying, maintaining and replacing fire hydrants in the District of Columbia,” said Fenty. “While the agencies will benefit from clearly identified responsibilities, the residents of the District of Columbia are the real winners today, knowing that they are safer because of this agreement.”

The MOU designates FEMS as the agency responsible for inspecting all hydrants twice a year. WASA will be responsible for paying for half of the costs for FEMS to inspect the hydrants. FEMS will be responsible for clearly identifying all out-of-service hydrants by attaching a ring to the hydrant.

"Serving and protecting the citizens and visitors of this great City have always been my top priorities and this agreement with WASA gives the DC Fire and EMS Department a greater capability to fulfill our mission. I could not be more pleased," Rubin said. 

The MOU also requires WASA to test clearly mark them according to National Fire Protection Association standards for the flow of each hydrant using color coded bands. Every hydrant will be color coded within two years. WASA will also upgrade approximately 3,500 fire hydrants within five years. 

“The MOU is a major step in clarifying responsibilities and resolving any doubt that we are working together to ensure the safety of the public we serve,” said Johnson. “Since 2004, WASA and Fire and EMS have been developing programs, sharing operating procedures and conducting training. This agreement helps document a coherent and comprehensive approach to hydrant maintenance, reflecting the Board of Directors’ continuing commitment to invest in the District’s aged water infrastructure, including the replacement of fire hydrants.”