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fire hydrants
Residents are encouraged to "Adopt-A-Hydrant" or two in their neighborhoods, and make sure they are accessible after each snowfall. If a resident is physically unable to shovel a hydrant on their property, they are encouraged to ask a neighbor to help out.
Keep Three Feet Around Fire Hydrants
Shovel Hydrants
When firefighters are digging – time keeps ticking. During a fire, every second counts, and after each snowfall, there are a few hydrants in Burnsville that become a little "hard to find."
Burnsville's firefighters need a three-foot area clear of snow and ice shoveled around each of the City's fire hydrants, and a three-foot wide path leading to them from the street.
Hydrant Markers
All public fire hydrants (those located on easements, City property and streets) should have a marker that allows the hydrant to be seen in deep snow. Residents who notice a public hydrant that is not marked are encouraged to notify the Burnsville Maintenance Facility at 952-895-4550.
Private hydrant owners (on business or multi-unit housing properties) can purchase a hydrant marker from City approved vendors USABlueBook or Minnesota Pipe & Equipment.
Summer Months
In the summer months, some homeowners plant trees or landscape by a fire hydrant, but residents need to keep this area clear. If there is a fire, firefighters need to be able to reach and use the hydrant. Plants will be trampled and a tree or fence too close will be cut down.
For information call 952-895-4570
| City hydrants are flushed regularly to ensure they are in working order for fire protection, and to remove mineral deposits that may accumulate in water mains. Residents are advised that the change in water flow patterns from hydrant flushing my stir up mineral deposits in City water mains. During hydrant flushing, it is not unusual for residents to periodically experience discolored water, pressure changes and/or an increased chlorine odor. |
Iron Coloration
Iron in the water is not a health issue, but it may impact the aesthetic quality of the water. If discolored water is present, residents may correct the problem by opening all cold water faucets and allow them to run at the same time until the water clears.
During the hydrant flushing period, residents are encouraged to check the color of their water prior to doing laundry. Discolored water may stain clothes, particularly whites. Rust remover is available from the Burnsville Maintenance Facility, 13713 Frontier Court, for residents whose laundry has become discolored as a result of hydrant flushing.
Private Hydrants
Burnsville is also home to more than 1,300 private fire hydrants. Commercial building owners, twonhouse associations and apartment complexes with privately-owned hydrants are responsible for flushing and maintaining their own hydrants to ensure they are working in case of emergency. Private maintenance should be coordinated with Burnsville's Utilities, 952-895-5442, to ensure minimal disturbance to the Cities water distribution system.
For more information and general hydrant flushing questions, contact the Burnsville Maintenance Facility at 952-895-4550.
Flushing Progress
View hydrant flushing progress
This Map shows areas of the city where hydrant flushing has been completed. Number indicate zone classifications for internal purposes - they do not indicate the order which areas will be flushed
Annual Hydrant Inspections
State and City Fire Codes require that all fire hydrants (public and private) need to be inspected annually and repaired if needed. All hydrants must be in working condition at all times.
Private Hydrant Inspections
Each year the city of Burnsville hires a contractor to test private hydrants in accordance with code 5-5. No action is needed on your part unless repairs are needed. The cost of this inspection will be charged over a 12-month period to your utility bill and is approximately $75.
If you choose to hire a contractor on your own you must contact Fire Inspector/Investigator Jayson Knutson before May 1 to remove your hydrants from the city contractors list.
Property owners who have contracted their own inspection must submit or have the hired contractor submit documentation electronically through Brycer Compliance Engine prior to May 15 of each calendar year. Each fire hydrant must have its own inspection form submitted that includes:
- Hydrant Number
- Property name
- Property address
- Printed Inspector name
- Date of inspection
- Whether the fire hydrant passed the inspection
- If the fire hydrant did not pass, what needs to be addressed
- Whether the fire hydrant caps were in place
- Whether there was any foreign material detected when flowing the hydrant
- Whether fire hydrant(s) drained properly
- If there is a three foot clearance around the fire hydrant(s)
- Location and type of malfunction for any hydrant failures
- Corrective action and timeline for repair of any failed hydrants
If documentation is not received by May 15 each year, the City will contract to have the hydrant(s) inspected and the cost will be charged over a 12-month period to the property's utility bill.
For questions about the private fire hydrant inspection program call 952-895-4570.