An automatic fire service connection will be
furnished subject to the adequacy of the existing distribution mains
and only if adequate provision is made to prevent the use of water
from such service for purposes other than fire extinguishing.
Original installation plans and any later revisions
which fully meet fire underwriters' requirements must be submitted
to the Department.
An applicant will be required to sign an application
form that will be furnished upon request.
If water is used from a fire service in violation
of this article, the Department may, at its option, discontinue and
remove the service.
The Water Department will install fire service
at the applicant's expense.
In all instances of fire services over two inches
in size and of a distance greater than 75 feet from the main to the
premises, a detector check will be installed. No charge will be made
for water used to extinguish accidental fires.
The owner must provide and install a detector
check bypass or similar device acceptable to the Department which
will suitably handle fire flows and leakage. Owners must pay for maintenance,
leakage, and any damage caused by leakage of the fire service.
The service shall be controlled by a valve located
in a manhole or a valve box as the Department may prescribe and located
outside the premises and to be operated only by persons authorized
by the Department.
The Department assumes no responsibility for
loss or damage because of lack of water or pressure and merely agrees
to furnish such quantities and pressure as are available in its general
distribution system. The service is subject to shutdowns and variations
required by the operation of the system.
Occasionally water may be obtained from a private
fire service for filling a tank connected with the fire service, but
only if written permission is secured from the Department in advance
and an approved means of measurement is available. The rates for general
use will be applied.
Water lost through leakage or in testing or
used in violation of the regulations shall be paid for by the applicant
at double the rate charged for general use.
