Law Lets New York Avoid Costly Fire Hydrant Upgrades

A recently passed law will allow New York municipalities to avoid making costly fire hydrant replacements.
New York Sen. Charles Schumer said Wednesday the Community Fire Safety Act of 2013 passed the Senate late Tuesday night. He says the bill exempts fire hydrants from reduced-lead drinking standards. The Environmental Protection Agency had interpreted a 2011 law to require hydrants and hydrant parts be replaced to comply with the lead standards.

Schumer says new fire hydrants can cost as much as $1,200 each.

Schumer says New York City estimated it would spend more than $1 million to replace about 1,300 hydrants and parts. He says the Suffolk County Water Authority alone estimated it would’ve spent $450,000 to replace hydrants and parts.