Open hydrants to blame for Camden water shortage

    You know that idyllic image of urban kids playing in the spray of a fire hydrant on a hot summer day? That image is causing major problems in Camden.

    An unexpected heat wave has caused an increase in water consumption, and has led Camden officials to declare a sever water shortage today.

    Mayor Dana L. Redd has advised the public that water is scarce because of fire hydrant openings throughout the city. That’s right, opening those hydrants up so the neighborhood kids can cool off lowers water pressure, which can disrupt emergency services and cause water discoloration.

    Municipal ordinances and state law state “no person and no agent, servant or employee of any person shall open or use any public fireplug or fire hydrant or take any water therefrom for building purposes, street sprinkling, flushing of sewers or gutters or for any other purpose without first obtaining a written permit,” according to a release from the mayor’s office.

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    The release also says that residents should call the police to report open fire hydrants. Lizz Fiedler is heading to Camden today for more on this story, so stay tuned.

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