Fire Order, hydrants, water flow, and policy issues

Hi

I have recently come across an unusual messy situation that I reckon would benefit from some political leadership.  I would appreciate any comments/suggestions/lessons learned from similar experiences.

Apparently Sydney Water is turning down the flows in selected water mains, presumably to save on maintenance costs of ageing infrastructure.  If a building gets a fire order that includes a hydrant requirement, and the mains flow is below the threshold required by the Australian Standard, then tanks may have to be installed.

The way I see it there are several problems with this approach as the reduced flow effects all similar buildings connected to the water main:

• previously installed hydrants may no longer meet the standard raising safety concerns
• requiring individual buildings to each install tanks is costly and inefficient
• in built up areas with old water mains suitable common property space is at a premium
• if the water main is refurbished/replaced/amplified in the normal maintenance cycle and the previous flow/pressure rates restored then the tanks and associated pipes etc that have been installed will no longer be required
• Fire&RescueNSW must have safety concerns about the reduced supply
• the local council seems to be reactively advocating individual solutions rather than proactively driving community solutions viz lobbying Sydney Water for mains rectification so that the minimum flow/pressure standard is maintained
• by not following the council directive an OC risks fines etc

I reckon this is a state government policy issue.  Do others agree?

Thanks