Fire hydrants are a source of water and an important part of Strathcona County's fire prevention system.
Inspection/maintenance of fire hydrants Strathcona County inspects all fire hydrants during the spring and fall to ensure it meets Alberta Safety Fire Code. The code states that the hydrants shall be maintained in a operating condition, readily accessible, clearly identified and flowed on an annual basis.
Mainline valve inspections and maintenance Every summer Strathcona County employees operate and inspect over 4,500 valves. Mainline valves are used in case of an emergency water supply shut down.
Private Hydrants Private hydrants are located on private property and are coloured red and black for identification. Private hydrants are the sole responsibility of the property owner. Strathcona County Utilities inspects all private hydrants on commercial and residential properties to ensure it meets Alberta Fire Code. The inspection and maintenance of private hydrants are billed directly to the property owner through their monthly Utility bill.
Some valves are located in sidewalks or walking areas and can cause a tripping hazard. Please call 780-467-7785 if you see a valve is in this condition.
Flushing is a process where water is pushed through the pipes at a high pressure to remove any build up that may be in the lines. The water is then released through fire hydrants. The materials being flushed are harmless and require no further treatment.
There may be a temporary reduction in water pressure while flushing is occurring in your neighbourhood. Your tap water may also appear cloudy. This is only due to air in the pipes, but the water is completely safe to drink.
Although it may look like a great amount of water, water flushing only accounts for one percent of annual water usage.
You are welcome to fill buckets with the expelled water to use for watering gardens, washing cars or other uses.
Maintenance and flushing begins in June and runs until the end of September and occurs during regular working hours.
If there is a hydrant near your home, please clear snow or ice at least 60 cm (2 ft) from around the hydrant. That way, in an emergency, Emergency Services' crews can find and access the hydrant with the greatest possible speed. Those few extra seconds or minutes could make a world of difference in an emergency.
Fire hydrants require at least a 3.5 metre setback from the centre of a tree trunk to a fire hydrant. Please refer to the Design and Construction Standards, Section 6 (Open Space Standards) under section 6.12.1.9 for more information.Â
Customers requesting a hydrant meter within Strathcona County must complete a permit application at least five working days in advance of the expected pick-up date. Permits are required for each hydrant meter requested.
The hydrant information package should be read by the contractor before making application. The application form is on the last page of the information package. Utilities will accept credit card payments for the deposit over the phone.
Hydrant Meter Request Form (323.9Â KB)
Hydrant meters are available to rent between May 1 and October 1.
Utilities Phone: 780-467-7785 Email: scutilities@strathcona.ca
Last updated: Monday, June 03, 2024 Page ID: 39485