Water Services and Fire Fighting in Colorado State

Introduction

Water is the chief human consumption essential for life, says Meyer (2010). Humans can survive without food for up to seven days but if deprived of water they can only live for a maximum of three days; before they die of dehydration according to Meyer (2010). It has been a world goal therefore, to supply all humans with reliable water services. It is the responsibility of individual persons, counties, states and governments to live up to this goal. Colorado State has not been left behind. To begin with, we look at the geography of Colorado. Colorado is one of the States of the United States located in the Rocky Mountain Region of the US. It is located north of the Oklahoma and New Mexico, Wyoming and Nebraska while to its East is Nebraska and Utah to its West. According to the US census bureau population estimates of 2009, Maryland is estimated to have a population of about 5,506,542 people.

Discussion

History of water in Colorado

The history of water in Colorado draws us back to the 19th century. Government was realizing the need to set up systems to fulfill the necessity of its people concerning water according to (Thomas 126). The private sector was not left behind. In 1876, article 16 titled “prior appropriation” was enacted as a law in the constitution of Colorado. This saw the Colorado Water Conservation Board whose mandate is to oversee fairness in water resources and utility and eventually many private companies registering for water services. Towards 1900, Colorado saw the initial planning and implementation of reservoir construction which was not entirely successful. In the early nineteen hundreds however, the face of water services took a new look when the then up to date US Bureau of Reclamation was formed and given land and water privileges. The company in its mandate has been able to coordinate, plan, construct and implement numerous water storage and management facilities as explained by (Thomas 126).

Water services in Colorado today

Today with an estimated population of 5,506,542 people, Colorado’s residents need safe water for domestic and agricultural use, water for industrial use and water for emergency response such as fire fighting. This situation is well handled by the well over twenty registered water service companies today. All these companies rely mainly on river water. The reservoirs constructed in the 1900s among other more recent sources are the basic water harbors in Colorado.

These sources are able to quench the thirst of Colorado dwellers. They provide domestic water to households and industrial water to companies. A farmer as well taps his or her irrigation water from these facilities says (Thomas 127).

Water treatment

Water though being one of the only compounds that are pure in their natural state also has its impurities according to (Thomas 127). To make it suitable for human use, treatment measures are taken. Their aim is to solve water problems such as bacteria infections and undesirable chemical contents such as nitrates, lead, radium, radon, acid, and iron among others. Hard water also needs to be softened and this is done through treatment. There is pressure on companies providing water services to treat their water before supply.

Standard regulation

There is a need to keep suppliers on toes if quality services are expected. The people of Colorado are able to pressurize the responsible system of water delivery through organizations such as the US Bureau of Reclamation as explained by (Thomas 127). Through regulatory activities such as interventions and communication, such organizations are able to ensure quality in consumer services including of course, water services.

Piping system in Colorado

The channels used to deliver water in Colorado are entirely piping. PEX piping is the main type of piping in Colorado. PEX stands for cross linked polyethylene. This type of piping is acknowledged for its flexibility and strength. Colorado being a rough terrain with rocky soil would not opt for any better type of piping, says Meyer (2010). Moreover, PEX piping is known to resist chemical reactions and ability to carry both hot and cold water. To help fight the misdoings of PEX piping, the state has set a standard code. The Colorado 2009 National Standard Plumbing code adapted in 2009 gives the standard requirements for any pipe installing procedure.

Fire fighting in Colorado

One commonly ignored utility of water is in fire fighting. In Colorado however, this hasn’t been taken for granted. As a caution against fire tragedies, Colorado the state awarded Colorado Fire Camp a state fire Assistance Hazard Mitigation grant. In the grant, one of the key mandates was installation of dry hydrants. By 2008, way over new dry hydrants had been successfully installed. New fire engines and numerous fire fighting facilities’ have been acquired as well according to Meyer (2010). Literary, all counties in Colorado have fire fighting facilities. However, in case of long distances, firefighters have to rely on engines to fight fire.

Hydrant standard regulation

For efficiency and effectiveness, Colorado Public pools and Spas association has set regulations that govern piping layout. During constructions, engineers and architects join in drawing system plans as they differ from one location to another on the basis of topography and terrain as explained by (Thomas 128).

Maps of hydrant distribution in Colorado

To see a map of hydrant distribution in Colorado. The pattern formed by this layout creates a web referred to as the tree grid.

Conclusion

To ensure that standards of water services and hydrants are not compromised by the dealer companies, ISO tests are and have to be conducted occasionally. Sample copies of such reports of the past can be found.

Works cited

Meyer, P. Water in Colorado. Water Information Program, 2010.

Thomas, M. “Under fire.” National Geographic Magazine 2008:126-128. Print.

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