Fintry private water sysem owner refuses fire protection

[fintry2]

I have been a Fintry resident for the last 22 years. We are on a private water system that is owned and operated by Peter Muhlberger. Over the years the water system has had its share of problems. Currently , we have no power in Fintry because of the Westside Fire which is VERY close to us. I completely understand the reasoning for the disconnection of hydro to our area. Safety of firefighters and Hydro employees is paramount.
The pump that operates our water system is run on electricity. The owner of our water system has refused to rent a generator to power the pumps back up and restore water to the Fintry homes and residents . ( a very simple fix) Consequently, we have no water ,but worse, NO FIRE HYDRANTS FOR THE ENTIRE FINTRY DELTA, with a wildfire so close to us .
I spoke with Pete this am offering to help. He refused to even consider to rent a generator ( which I offered to pay for), and said even if he did , wiring it in would be to hard and would cost him money. When I commented on the lack Fire Protection , he stated that " Westside V.F.D have a "fire boat",, dont worry about it" and hung up the phone.
I am sure I am not the only Fintry resident to have major concerns on how our water system is being operated. I would welcome your comments.

[gman313]

*removed*

[fintry2]

*removed*

[gman313]

*removed*

[fintry2]

*removed*

[Queen K]

It's unfortunate that one man holds so much power for so many.

[kgcayenne]

...I spoke with Pete this am offering to help. He refused to even consider to rent a generator ( which I offered to pay for), and said even if he did , wiring it in would be to hard and would cost him money...

Of course it would cost him money, it's called, now get this, "The cost of doing business", and he needs to suck it up and do what's required.

[kgcayenne]

Here is some reading material for you:

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/pub ... PHI061.PDF
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/water_righ ... ar2012.pdf

He's supposed to have a plan in place for situations like this. It is shameful of him to not be taking his responsibility seriously.

[kgcayenne]

One more thing:

https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvir ... aints.aspx

[kgcayenne]

this would be a known risk when you decided to live there. Your other option is to live in a city.

That's a response that does not consider the responsibilities of any water utility. The water utility owner should have a plan in place; it is in the regulations. It is the utility owner who should have not become a utility owner, his option should have been to invest elsewhere if he were not prepared to fulfill any and all of the responsibilities he signed on for when becoming a water purveryor.

[fintry2]

Thank you very much KG ,,, great info ,, thanks for the links !!!!!!!!

[LANDM]

http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/00_01009_01
Also look at the link above, in addition to the ones that kgcayenne gave.

Dependent on how this utility is structured (private utility, community system etc.) you have quick recourse through the comptroller of water.

While the gman response was viewed harshly by yourself, there is some truth to it......when you are on a small privately owned system, you will encounter problems that aren't dealt with as it would be in a municipal system. However, there are protections in place. It is still up to the owner to deal with it though.

[bob vernon]

Having a privately owned, run for profit, water utility is free enterprise.

Having a gumment owned system is rampant socialism.

[Ken7]

Please keep this post updated, I found it interesting to read. I have no knowledge on it and would like to hear the outcome of what if anything can be done.

Thanks!