National Headquarters
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
National Headquarters
Spark Central, Level 7
42-52 Wil is Street
Wel ington Central
Wel ington 6011
Phone +64 4 496 3600
Ref: 13902
23 April 2024
D August-Jordan
[FYI request #26205 email]
Tēnā koe D
Thank you for your request of 22 March 2024, to Fire and Emergency New Zealand requesting
information regarding fire hydrant testing. Your request has been considered under the Official
Information Act 1982 (OIA) and our response is below.
1. What is the procedure?
2. Do you let water out of each hydrant?
We can advise that Fire and Emergency is not responsible for the testing and management of
hydrant water supply. Under the Local Government Act 1974, territorial authorities are required to
install fire hydrants, and to keep them charged (filled with water).
Fire and Emergency regularly flush hydrants to ensure water flow meets operational
requirements; however, this is not considered to be a test of the hydrant. Flushing a hydrant
involves turning a hydrant on and discharging water until accumulations are removed and water
runs clear.
3. What do you do to mitigate the water that flows out?
4. If you do not mitigate, what happens to the water because of the chlorine content as this
then can get into waterways which wil kil wildlife?
We have interpreted these questions to be asking about any actions Fire and Emergency takes to
prevent environmental damage from the release of fire hydrant water. We mitigate the volume of
water released by ensuring that the hydrant is closed securely after testing. The hydrant water
supply in New Zealand is potable and safe for the environment.
We trust that the information being provided is of assistance. If you require further information,
please email [FENZ request email].
Nāku noa, nā
Aidan Saunders
Manager, Information Requests