Monday, March 22, 2010
Macon Water Authority shines during ISO evaluation of water supply system
Inspectors note that score of 38.2 out of 40 among the best they’ve seen
Among the credit given to the MWA during the recent ISO evaluation was its abundance and placement of fire hydrants within the water supply system.
When the city of Macon and Bibb County governments provided information and insights on their structure fire suppression capabilities recently to the Insurance Services Office (ISO) for evaluation and rating, they did so knowing they have an outstanding water supply system thanks to the Macon Water Authority (MWA).
ISO officials analyze data using a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), which allows them a means for designating a Public Protection Classification (PPC) number to a community to reflect its level of fire protection services.
Statistical information on losses due to fire reveals a correlation between excellent fire protection and low fire losses; thus, the cost of fire insurance typically is less in a community with a good PPC.
ISO evaluates communities according to three-part criteria that include: (1) fire alarm and communication systems, (2) the fire department, and (3) the water supply system, which accounts for 40% of the rating.
The MWA’s water supply system attained a score of 38.12 out of 40 during this most recent evaluation, which included credit for flows and pressure in the system, location and function of fire hydrants, and condition of the water lines and infrastructure. Evaluators from ISO noted they could not recall the last system in the country that had attained a score that high.
City of Macon Fire Chief Marvin Riggins says he and his department have had a wonderful relationship with the MWA, especially when sharing information on the placement of water mains and fire hydrants, 100 of which were inspected during the ISO review of the MWA system.
“The Water Authority provided us with a crew to help locate lines and fire hydrants that had to be assessed to see if we had adequate water supply in our system,” says Chief Riggins. “They did a wonderful job.”
The Chief noted in some instances when parts of the system revealed low flows or water pressure, Authority maintenance employees immediately addressed and corrected these measures.
“I’m very grateful that we live in a community that not only has the best tasting water, but has an excellent water supply (for fire protection) as well,” he adds.
Media contact:
Chris Wood, Ph.D.
770-757-1681 (cell)
jcwood@uga.edu (email)