What
is the story with fire flow in Quilcene?
The most frequently asked question the PUD gets about
the Quilcene Water System (QWS) is:
“Why can’t we get fire flow?”
Answer: The Quilcene Water System
DOES have fire flow, but it is only adequate for residential properties.
The Coordinated Water System Plan for
Rural Areas (>1 acre parcel):
None
Residential:
15,000 gallons
Commercial:
60,000 gallons
Industrial:
90,000 gallons
(see chart below)
The current and future QWS area is served
by a volunteer fire district. In addition to their tanker trucks they have
an approximately 5,000 gallon water tank located at their Quilcene fire
hall. The PUD’s Quilcene Water System has 30,000 gallons of elevated storage
available, and the
Issues.
- Fire flow capacity
of Quilcene system is insufficient for County’s commercial or industrial
fire flow requirements. It would require a new water tank with at least twice
the existing storage capacity to meet commercial fire flows. A new tank could
cost over $400,000.
- PUD’s legally
can not charge its customers for fire hydrant maintenance. Other utilities
(
- The County and/or the fire district will have to shoulder the cost of maintenance.
How to get fire flow
to the Quilcene Water System
- The Quilcene
school district has a water system capable of providing commercial fire
flow.
- Talk to the school
board about using their non-potable water for hydrants along the HY 101
corridor.
- Contact your
local elected officials and fire district and tell them that you want fire
flows in Quilcene.
- Talk to your
neighbors to see if they are interested in getting fire hydrants either collectively
or through the fire district.
- Raise money for
new water tank either through grants or other sources.
- Secure commitment
from fire district or County ensuring hydrants will be maintained.