Lake Limerick Fire Hydrants Update – February 4, 2021 @ 3:35pm
Lake Limerick Fire Hydrants Update – February 4, 2021
Many of our members have noticed that Lake Limerick’s fire hydrants are covered with plastic bags. This is due to the possibility of low water pressure in distribution lines if a hydrant is used for fighting fires. Sudden temporary low water pressure would not only result in insufficient water for firefighting, it could cause damage to the water system and the need to repair and disinfect the system. A temporary drop in pressure was observed late last year and we have been working with the Central Mason Fire staff and management to both protect our drinking water system and provide fire protection. This morning HOA Board and Water Committee Members, our Community Association Manger and Water Manager met with Central Mason Fire & EMS (CMFE) Chief’s Patti and Yates plus Deputy Fire Marshal Reitz to review where we are in resolving the problem.
Central Mason Fire management confirmed they are prepared, equipped, and trained to fight Lake Limerick fires. CMFE stands ready to respond. They have had a water tender truck positioned at our local station since this problem was first noticed and can call on neighboring station tender trucks to respond if necessary. This plan was put into action successfully last week when a residence undergoing renovation burned on Ballantrae. We learned that the majority of fires fought in Mason County are managed using tender trucks for water supply because most locations lack central water systems and fire hydrants. Additionally, we were assured that CMFE is partnered with Lake Limerick every step of the way as we work to improve our water system. Some CMFE managers and staff are themselves Lake Limerick residents.
Fire Chief Patti confirmed our fire district including Lake Limerick is rated at level 5 on record with WA State Insurance Commission. Our CMFE district was at a level 6 prior the last rating analysis completed last summer (level 1 is the highest rating and 10 the lowest). With hydrants now temporarily bagged and the use of water tender trucks to fight fires, Lake Limerick is again rated at level 6 with water tender truck credits.
On January 22, 2021 Lake Limerick signed a contract with an engineering company which has started a thorough analysis of our water supply system including fire hydrant flow. Water staff and CMFE are jointly coordinating water system site visits with the engineers, and a final report, with recommendations, is scheduled for April. Bear in mind that our water system was planned and constructed over 50 years ago when Lake Limerick was primarily a camping and RV recreational area. Over the years design standards have changed, the system has aged and now a majority of lots have permanent homes with year around or seasonal residents. The price for 50+ years of increasing service demand with low water rates and only necessary repairs is coming due.
Rest assured that Lake Limerick is taking the proper steps to resolve our fire hydrant situation along with Central Mason Fire & EMS assurance to provide professional fire control services.
CMFE Chief Mike Patti provided his contact information for questions. Office (360) 432-5170, email mpatti@cmfe.org
Roger Milliman, Community Association Manager
Brian Smith, LLCC HOA Board President
Don Bird, LLCC Water Committee Chair
