Fayette County firefighters face inadequate water supply challenges

Firefighters in Fayette County face challenges due to unregulated fire hydrants and inconsistent water flow. Two homes burned down in 2021 and 2022, with residents claiming low water pressure contributed to their losses. Lawsuits have been filed against local authorities. A recent investigation revealed that there are no state regulations requiring regular flow testing of hydrants. Many hydrants in the region may not meet the recommended flow rate of 500 gallons per minute, raising concerns about public safety during emergencies. Some communities are beginning to upgrade their water infrastructure. For example, Plum Borough recently improved its hydrants to provide 700 gallons per minute. However, many areas still struggle with outdated systems and insufficient water supply for firefighting.