(a) Generally. The following guidelines shall be established and followed whenever practicable when water mains are hereafter extended and fire hydrants are hereafter installed in the City:
(1) Water mains shall be not less than six inches in diameter.
(2) The spacing between fire hydrants shall be so fixed as to keep hose lines short, preferably not over two hundred fifty feet in length.
(3) The spacing between fire hydrants shall be two hundred fifty feet in compact mercantile and manufacturing districts and no more than five hundred feet in residential districts.
(4) Fire hydrants shall be so set that, after landscaping, nozzles are at least eighteen inches from the ground or pavement.
(1-3-77)
(1-3-77)
(b) Testing and Flushing of Private Fire Hydrants.
(1) To assure proper functioning and to guarantee adequate fire protection, the owner of any premises on which private fire hydrants are installed shall have the hydrants flushed at least once every six months and tested for flow and pressure annually, by a person who has demonstrated competency and been approved by the New Martinsville water and sanitary sewer board. Such testing shall include flow rates, applicable pressure and duration of flushing. Testing and maintenance will ensure that private fire hydrants are ready for emergency use when needed.
(2) Prior to testing or flushing of hydrants, the person conducting such tests shall notify the superintendent board of the board of the date and time that testing and/or flushing will be conducted.
(3) Every owner of a private fire hydrant shall on an annual basis and no later than June 30 of each year, certify to the board in a report the dates of flushing, the dates of testing, flow rate, applicable pressure and duration of flushing on forms approved and provided by the board.
(4) Any person conducting the testing or repair of private fire hydrants shall be approved and certified by the board to conduct such work. The board shall provide a list of certified private hydrant testers to the owner upon request.
(5) Private fire hydrants shall be immediately serviced, overhauled or replaced by owner when found to be defective.
(c) Hydrants and other fixtures connect with a private fire service may be sealed by the utility, and such seals may be broken only in case of fire or as specially permitted by the utility, and the customer shall immediately notify the utility of the breaking of any such seal.