17 February 2010
A 'super hydrant' agreement between water and fire bosses will ensure Merseyside is better protected against major blazes.
United Utilities and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have teamed up to identify 121 strategic hydrants on large water mains across the county that will provide firefighters with the increased water flow they need to tackle big fires.
The deal will also have positive benefits for domestic customers by reducing the risk of low water pressure and discoloured water while the fire service is making use of mains water to fight fires.
Until now the Fire Service has had only limited information about the best hydrants to use for fire fighting.
The identification of strategic hydrants will ensure crews can locate hydrants which will offer the best water supply.
By guaranteeing access to these hydrants at 121 key locations across Merseyside the deal will deliver an important boost to local firefighting capacity.
Gary Dixon, our Customer Services Director, said: "This agreement is excellent news for communities across Merseyside - and the collaboration with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has been an extremely positive one.
"The agreement means that the fire service has the water flow it needs to fight serious blazes and householders are better protected against low pressure or discoloured water, which can be an issue when large volumes are being pumped from the mains for firefighting."
The Fire Service will test and maintain these hydrants, to ensure they are always ready for action in the event of a serious incident.
Tony McGuirk, Chief Fire Officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said: ""We have worked very closely with United Utilities in achieving a pragmatic solution to providing water supplies for firefighting.
"United Utilities have approached our discussions in an extremely constructive and positive manner and the partnership we have established will continue and ensure a great working relationship for the future to maintain water supplies for firefighting and rescue."
Picture caption (from left to right): Gary Dixon, United Utilities' Customer Services Director; Tony McGuirk, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Fire Officer; Ian Voce, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service's Station Manager; Tim Stanley, United Utilities' Asset Data Records Manager