March 5, 1979

Coalition studies fire hydrant costs

       Developers in areas served by the Indiana Cities Water Company would have to partially fund fire hydrant installation if a rules change is approved by the Indiana Public Service Commission (PSC). Reporting to the White River Township Coalition Monday night, Don Corey, chief engineer for Indiana Cities, said the rules change proposed by Indiana Cities would require developers to help fund fire hydrant installation when water mains are installed. “We will pick up half of the hydrant cost, while the developer will pay for the remainder,” Corey said. Corey said that in areas where water mains are already installed without hydrants, Indiana Cities would also pay for half of the installation cost, with individuals or groups footing the remaining bill. This program would be voluntary. He estimated it would cost $1,300 for each hydrant installed on an existing main. Indiana Cities and the White River Township Fire Department have planned for 138 hydrants in the company’s White River service area. “We currently estimate there are 1,900 lots in our White River service area without fire hydrants,” Corey said. Indiana Cities serves an area in White River Township bounded by State Roads 135 and 37 (east-west) and County Line and Smith Valley Roads (north-south). After initial installation, the company would add a $1.20 per month surcharge for fire hydrant rental for each household within 1,000 feet of a hydrant. In cases where Indiana Cities did not furnish water and a house fell within the 1,000 feet limit, there would be no charge. The new hydrant requirement is part of a rate increase package before the PSC. Corey said he expected approval of the plan in two months. Corey said the hydrants would be located for maximum fire protection. White River Township Fire Chief Robert Wehrman said that with hydrant installation, the area could realize lower fire insurance rates. For other White River residents, Joe Harrod for the municipally-owned Bargersville Water Company presented a less favorable picture for those without hydrants in his company’s service area. Bargersville Water serves much of the remaining White River area not covered by Indiana Cities. “While we have required developers to install hydrants since the early 1970’s those who currently do not have a hydrant and desire one would have to pay the entire cost,” Harrod said. Harrod explained that because Bargersville Water Company is municipally-owned, it could not loan money or subsidize fire hydrant installation outside the corporate limits. He estimated costs for installing a hydrant to an existing main in his area would be at least $1,500. The Coalition will meet again April 28 for a county candidate forum.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)
   
 

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