Open Fire Hydrants Cause Water Pressure and Safety Issues

June 09, 2008

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) and the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services are reporting low water pressure in some neighborhoods due to unauthorized opening of fire hydrants by residents seeking relief from the heat.

The public is reminded that unauthorized use of hydrants is illegal. Such activity will cause low water pressure and service problems for customers and can damage the underground water infrastructure. Loss of adequate water pressure can have a negative impact on fire fighting when firefighters are unable to get enough water to suppress fires. Opening hydrants also poses a safety issue for young children who could easily be hurt from the high water pressure.

Over the last three days, most of the 20-plus locations of reported open hydrants have been in Southeast Washington. Other locations identified were in the southwest and northeast areas of the District. WASA has had to bring in additional crews to respond to low pressure problems caused by hydrant openings. The public is urged to report open hydrants by calling the WASA 24-hour emergency line at (202) 612-3400.

Seeking relief from the heat?

District government officials are urging residents to take advantage of the special Beat the Heat schedule for outdoor pools and spray parks operated by the citys Department of Parks and Recreation. Pools and Spray Parks will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10.

Outdoor pools (Pool, Address, Phone):
Banneker, 2500 Georgia Avenue, NW, (202) 673-2121 (2 pools)
Barry Farm, 1223 Sumner Road, SE, (202) 645-5040
Francis, 2500 N Street, NW, (202) 727-3285
Harry Thomas Sr., 1801 Lincoln Road, NE, (202) 576-5640
Kenilworth Parkside, 4300 Anacostia Avenue, NE, (202) 727-0635 (2 pools)
Oxon Run, 4th Street & Mississippi Avenue, SE, (202) 645-5042
Rosedale, 17th and Gale Streets, NE, (202) 727-1502
Upshur, 14th St. & Arkansas Avenue, NW, (202) 576-8661
Spray Parks (Spray Park, Address, Phone):
Columbia Heights, 1480 Girard Street, NW, (202) 671-0373
Lafayette, 5900 33rd Street, NW, (202) 282-2206
Petworth, 801 Taylor Street, NW, (202) 576-6850
Riggs LaSalle, 501 Riggs Road, NE, (202) 576-6045

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