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HLVFD Letter to Editor

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Letter To Editor:

Liberty Water (a wholly owned subsidiary of Algonquin Power and Utilities Corp., a Canadian company) is a relatively new State regulated water provider for Holly Lake Ranch. Not only have they raised your water bill, but also they have now informed the Holly Lake Volunteer Fire Department (HLVFD) that they no longer can use the fire hydrants for water during emergency operations or at any other time. They have indicated that use of the fire hydrants would be trespassing. Apparently this company does not recognize any moral need to support the communities they serve. The HLVFD has been in operation for 40 years and has always had access to these fire hydrants and the flush valves at the end of each street for emergency operations. The HLVFD recognizes that the water system is not designed to fully support fire operations, but the HLVFD, with the cooperation of the water company as to how the hydrants would be used, has never caused a problem with low water pressure that resulted in a boil-water-notice for the last 40 years.

In fighting a structure fire the HLVFD can bring 8,000 gallons of water to the fire scene on the engine and 3 water tank trucks. That sounds like a lot, however, a water shuttle to refill tank trucks and return to the scene with more water is immediately necessary to continue fire-fighting operations. The fire hydrants are critical to meet this need for many houses, condos, and time-shares in Holly Lake. Structures are now at a greater risk. Our current homeowner's insurance rates are based on the HLVFD having access to the fire hydrants. Eventually these rates could increase up to 50% unless Liberty Water changes their policy.

Not only has Liberty water refused to allow the HLVFD access to their fire hydrants, but they now also charge HLVFD for any water used to refill trucks at their station. The HLVFD has a
3-½" water line to their station for use in refilling trucks after returning from fires. However, Liberty Water started charging $350 per month meter charge plus a fee for water used. This water was provided free as a community service in the past.

There is no State requirement for rural water companies, to include Liberty water, to provide any water for fire fighting operations. However, most rural water companies support fire operations to the best of their capability with the cooperation of their local fire departments. All three of the neighboring water companies to the HLVFD Fire District operate in this manner and previous Holly Lake water companies did also.

The HLVFD plans to continue informing the public and our State legislature until the Liberty Water policy is changed. If you would like to have your voice heard on this subject, you may write a letter or cut this article out of the paper, attach a note to it and send it to one or both of the addresses below:

Ian E. Robertson, Chief Executive Officer Joe Wilkins, Business Manager Central US
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. Liberty Water
2845, Bristol Circle, 16623 FM 2493, Ste. E
Oakville, ON Canada L6H7H7 Tyler, Texas 75703

HLVFD