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Fire Hydrant Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why doesn't JEA install fire hydrants in ALL areas of the city?
A. Fire protection is the duty of the Fire Marshall and the Fire Department. JEA provides water service to portions of Jacksonville, along with other water utilities like United Water and Florida Water. And, significant areas of Jacksonville get water by using private wells and do not pay water bills to any utility. Still, JEA is prepared to help provide water lines and fire hydrants to virtually any place in our service territory where city officials identify a need and provide the necessary funding for the project.
Q. Why doesn't JEA install fire hydrants on all of their water lines?
A. All water lines JEA installs are installed to meet or exceed all existing codes for fire protection. JEA has been installing fire hydrants on all GroundWorks projects where we could install 6 inch or larger pipes. To be able to deliver enough water, fire hydrants must be installed on lines at least 6 inches in diameter. And, we have been replacing smaller water lines in older neighborhoods where we can create "loops" in the system to ensure adequate water flow on larger lines. Some areas in the JEA system were installed decades ago, before codes required fire hydrants, and many sections of JEA's water system were purchased from other utilities who built them to different standards. JEA would be pleased to help the Fire Marshall, fire department and city officials improve fire protection in Jacksonville by installing fire hydrants at cost for any individual or agency willing to provide the funding.
It is important to note that water systems must first and foremost deliver safe drinking water. In order to maintain proper chlorine levels, pipes must be sized correctly for the amount of water flowing through them. If the pipe is too large, not enough water flows through the pipe and the chlorine residual dissipates. The Health Dept. requires a certain level of chlorine be maintained in pipes for human health and safety. Those two facts together mean that there are some older locations in the city where it would be very difficult and very costly to retrofit pipes to provide BOTH safe drinking water AND fire protection to today's standards.
Q. How can a homeowner get a fire hydrant installed near their home?
A. JEA supports improving fire protection by installing fire hydrants at cost to any homeowners or businesses that request them. The average cost of installing a new fire hydrant on an existing water line is between $2,500 and $4,500 depending on site conditions. For more information regarding the installation of a fire hydrant in your area, please call:
665-4469 – North / West Side and Nassau County
665-4406 – South Side and St. Johns County
Q. Can anyone get a fire hydrant in front of their home?
A. No, because not everyone has a water line in front of their home. Also, fire hydrants can be installed only on water lines that are six inches in diameter or larger. In the case of water lines smaller than six inches, installing a fire hydrant will require the replacement of the smaller pipe with at least a six inch pipe. This process is very expensive and the total cost would depend on the particular project. In some cases, a larger pipe could affect the safety of water in the system unless additional work is designed and installed at higher cost. See answer to question # 2 above.
Q. Why do buyers of new homes get fire hydrants while older neighborhoods do not?
A. New neighborhoods have fire hydrants installed and paid for by the developer/builder in compliance with existing codes for fire protection. The cost of the fire hydrants, water pipes, sewer pipes, electric lines, etc. is rolled into the price of the new home. Since most people finance their homes, part of their monthly mortgage payment goes toward the cost of those fire hydrants. In older neighborhoods, homeowners can ask JEA to install fire hydrants and then spread the cost out over several payments.
Q. Since there are many areas within the city limits where there are no fire hydrants, is there any way to provide fire protection other than fire hydrants?
A. Yes, though they are seldom as effective as a nearby, working fire hydrant. One solution the fire department already uses is tankers that transport water to the scene of a fire where fire hydrants are too distant for hoses. Tankers still need access to nearby hydrants to fill and refill with water. Another solution is automatic fire protection systems like sprinkler systems or chemical fire suppression systems that can be installed in businesses or even homes. However, these systems can be very expensive.
Q. What else can be done to help protect a family's home or business from fire?
A. The Fire Department tells us the first line of defense is a working smoke detector. A working smoke detector gives a family an earlier warning than they would otherwise have. They also strongly recommend a pre-approved escape plan with a designated meeting place outside. Evacuate first, then call the fire department at 9-1-1 to report the fire. DO NOT go back in for anything until fire department personnel say it is ok. Lt. Hopkins of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue says if your smoke alarm goes off, evacuate, then report the fire whether or not you see flames or smoke. That way, firefighters have the most time, and thus the best chance of putting out a fire before it destroys your home or business. Never hesitate to call in a fire. Every second counts.
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