Water deal blazes a trail

Water bosses and fire chiefs have struck a pioneering deal to protect Rochdale against major blazes.

United Utilities has teamed up with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to provide firefighters with increased water flow to tackle serious fires.

The agreement — the first of its kind in Britain — will also have positive benefits for domestic customers, reducing the risk of low water pressure or discoloured water while firefighters are in action. Until now, national legislation has restricted firefighter access to very large diameter water pipes, known as trunk mains, which provide the crux of a region’s water system.

By guaranteeing access to these mains via hydrants at 630 key locations across Greater Manchester the new deal will deliver an important boost to local firefighting capacity.

Gary Dixon, United Utilities director of water operations, said: “This groundbreaking agreement is excellent news for Rochdale.

“It means the fire service has the water flow it needs to fight serious blazes and householders are better protected against low pressure or discoloured water, which can be an issue when large volumes are being pumped from the mains to fight fires.

“The collaboration with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has been an extremely positive one. We hope the model can now be repeated in other parts of the region.”

The Fire Service has agreed to test and maintain the new hydrants to ensure they are always ready for action in the event of a serious incident.

Jim Owen, assistant county fire officer for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The deal means our crews will now have better access to water supplies.

“This has been more than two years in the making. We are delighted with the outcome.

“We believe this agreement with United Utilities is the first of its kind in the UK.”