DOW revises rates for private fire service

LIHU‘E — The Department of Water recently revised its rates for private fire lines that are designed for the sole purpose of automatic fire sprinklers or other private fire protection, a county news release states.

All businesses and organizations that have private fire service were sent letters notifying them about the change.

The use charges for this service are now based on the ratio of the diameter of the inlet line connection and the detector check meter size or full flow meter size.

For example, a business that has a detector check meter connection with an eight-inch by 5/8-inch meter will now be charged up to 164 times more than it was previously charged for non-permitted use of its fire line.

When a private fire line is used for fire fighting and is verified by Kaua’i Fire Chief Robert Westerman, the consumption charge will be deducted from the monthly bill of the affected business.

Those that have private fire service should check their statements for consumption charges to ensure that leakage or misuse is not occurring in their fire protection system.

For complete details on the revised rates, please go to the water department’s website, www.kauaiwater.org and click on rules and regulation. The information on charges for private fire service can be found in Part 4, Fixing Rates for the Furnishing of Water Service in the County of Kaua’i.

Additional information can also be obtained by calling 245-5455 during normal business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on holidays and furlough days.