Manila Water’s 3K hydrants ready but need guarding

Manila Water Company is assuring the public that all 3,099 fire hydrants installed within its East Zone concession area are working and have adequate water supply and pressure ready for use during fires.

In Quezon City alone, Manila Water said it had installed 854 fire hydrants while the rest are strategically located in the cities of Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati, Taguig and Pateros town, and in Sta. Ana and San Andres districts in Manila.

Fire hydrants are normally situated at 300-meter intervals in residential areas and 250 meters from each other in commercial centers.

Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water’s corporate communications chief, said the company had also signed a tripartite agreement with the Bureau of Fire Protection and local government units and barangays to jointly protect fire hydrants from tampering and illegal withdrawal of water.

This is to ensure that the hydrants would be useful during emergencies.  Also part of the agreement are information and education campaigns on their proper use and maintenance.