Well Runs Dry At Tiverton Fire Station

When Tiverton firefighters returned to on Crandall Road Monday after the early morning , Lt. Craig Committo said water in the shower stopped running when the guys went to use it.

Since then, the station's well remains broken. They are using water from the nearest street hydrant and running it through a garden hose so they can still flush the toilet and wash their equipment. Committo said it could be one or two weeks before they connect to the .

In an emergency move, the Town Council at Monday night's meeting to connect to the system.

On Wednesday Town Administrator Jim Goncalo said it made more sense to spend to connect to town water than try to repair the old well, which is notably too close to the station's septic system. He said it would cost $2,000 to get the busted well pump out of the ground, repair it and get another pump.

Fire Chief Robert Lloyd said the town already got an emergency permit approved by the Department of Transportation to begin work to begin digging to connect to the town water, since Crandall Road is a state-maintained road. The town water connection is approximately 150 feet from the station.

Currently, Committo said they're using a temporary water meter coming off the hydrant, which feeds through a 1.5-inch fire hose to the station, then connects to a garden hose which backfeeds into the station through an outdoor water spicket.

"It limits amount of water coming into the station, but it’s adequate for the time being," Chief Lloyd said.

North Tiverton Fire District Superintendent Jason Perry and General Manager Paul St. Laurent said Wednesday they are waiting to hear back from the town on the agreement and hope to get the work done within the week.