Unauthorized Use of Fire Hydrants

Unauthorized Use of Fire Hydrants

The Town of Shelburne wants to remind the community that unauthorized Hydrant Usage, Hydrant Tampering and Water Theft is Illegal and that hydrants are not meant for public use.

The unauthorized use of the hydrants or water theft can lead to low water pressure and back siphonage in the distribution system, possibly causing contamination or depletion of the water storage for fire protection.

A person must be a Certified Water Operator under Provincial Regulations or Fire Department Personnel to legally operate fire hydrants. The Town’s Water Sewer Bylaw #60-2020 5.3 and 5.5, states who is authorized to use hydrants and 9.1(c), 10.1 and 10.5 of the Town Water Sewer Bylaw states the prohibitions, fines and recovery of damages for those who do tamper with hydrants.  

If you see unauthorized usage or suspicious activity of a hydrant, report by calling our water and sewer emergency number 519-938-0124 or the OPP non-emergency number 1-888-310-1122.