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Clearlake council approves hydrant inspection, testing ordinance after water purveyors' input
Summary
The council unanimously approved Ordinance 284-2025 to amend municipal code chapter 13-3 on fire-hydrant inspection, testing and maintenance, preserving annual maintenance requirements and five-year flow testing while incorporating technical adjustments requested by water purveyors.
The Clearlake City Council on Dec. 4 approved Ordinance 284-2025, which updates municipal rules for fire-hydrant inspection, testing and maintenance to align with industry standards and recent input from the city's three water purveyors.
City Manager Flora reviewed changes made since the council's prior meeting, noting staff consulted with Highlands Water Company, Golden State and the Conoco County Water District (three regional purveyors). Flora said the ordinance keeps annual hydrant maintenance (inspect and "exercise" hydrants) as the standard and retains fire-flow testing on a five-year schedule, while adding a water-modeling option and flexibility for calibrated systems so an engineer can certify targets rather than strict percent requirements.
Frank Costner, general manager of Kenoctet County Water District, told the council he believes the city "does not have the authorization" to mandate certain operational requirements for facilities owned and operated by water districts, though he said his district had completed testing and was investing in infrastructure. "We have invested $18,000,000 into our water system," Costner said, adding that the district has made tie connections and flow improvements. Rob Roscoe, a technical advisor, praised improved coordination between the city and purveyors.
Council members said they appreciated the additional technical clarifications and the purveyors' willingness to continue the discussion. Vice Mayor Slotin moved to approve Ordinance 284-2025 (amending Chapter 13-3), Council member Wilson seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The ordinance distinguishes annual maintenance (routine inspection and operation) from the more extensive flow testing work and provides a limited path for water systems to use modeling or engineered targets where appropriate.
