P-420 Bulk Water Deliveries

Date of Issue: 2002/06/20

PURPOSE: 

To protect the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency (HRFE) from any liability with respect to the delivery of bulk water in HRM using fire apparatus.

OBJECTIVE:

To clearly define the use HRFE fire apparatus for the delivery of bulk water supply and the use of Halifax Water hydrants and infrastructure. 

SCOPE:

This policy applies to career and volunteer members of HRFE. 

POLICY: 

No HRFE Fire Apparatus, or that of any Fire Department providing contracted services to HRFE, shall be used to deliver bulk water for the purpose of filling wells, residential, commercial or industrial water storage tanks, pools, dunk tanks, etc. Fire apparatus shall not be used to supply water for any form of irrigation.

This policy seeks to:
1.    Keep apparatus in service and available to the citizens of HRM
2.    Maintain staffing levels
3.    Reduce wear and tear on apparatus
4.    Limit liability issues resulting from supplying contaminated water
5.    Limit liability issues resulting from the possible damage to private property.


NOTE:

•    Halifax Regional Water Commission expressly forbids the use of any hydrant within the system (other than those designated) for any purpose other than firefighting. Use of designated hydrants is strictly limited to those who obtain a permit and remit the appropriate funds.

•    Halifax Regional Water Commission expressly forbids the resale of water. 

•    While water supplied through the Halifax Regional Water Commission system is initially potable and safe for humans, upon entering the apparatus storage tanks it would no longer be considered safe, due to the possibility of contamination from a multitude of sources. 
Contamination sources include, but are not limited to: cross contamination from firefighting foam, bacteria, decomposing organics, priming oil, pipe sealants, etc.

•    Any lake or stream water collected through the use of a dry hydrant or suction line would be suspect and considered contaminated due to the unpredictable and uncontrolled nature of the source.

RELATED POLICIES/ OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    OG 4003 Use of Fire Hydrants

POLICY REVIEW:

This policy shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the direction given regarding the delivery of bulk water.