By Jeff Proctor
The Albuquerque Journal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Officials still don’t know how many of the city’s 15,000-plus fire hydrants are in working order.
It’s unclear how thoroughly or frequently the hydrants have been tested during the past several years. The hydrants are owned by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority and, until 2009, were supposed to be maintained by AFD.
AFD Chief Breen says he has drafted an agreement between his department and the water authority under which both entities would inspect and maintain hydrants.
Breen conceded in a Journal interview in January that firefighters in recent years have showed up to battle blazes and found hydrants that weren’t providing enough water to put out fires.
The chief plans to meet with water authority officials Friday to finalize the agreement.
“The hydrants will be tested and maintained this year,” he said.
Copyright 2011 Albuquerque Journal