Ames Water Solutions Provides Free Water to Richland Co. Fire Dept.

Northwestern Richland County holds thousands of acres of hills, pasture land and crops, but very little water. When a fire breaks out, there are few natural barriers to help halt the flames.

Ames Water Solutions has recently made firefighting a bit easier with unlimited, free water available to the Richland County Fire and Road Departments at their Charley Creek Water Depot. Situated approximately seven miles south of the Missouri River, the depot draws water from the river using a floating pump. Twelve inch line carries the water approximately ½ mile to a booster station, which sends it another 5 miles, 348 feet up, to a huge holding tank. Gravity brings the water to the depot.

With a flow of 15 -20 barrels per minute, a tanker truck can be filled in about seven minutes and on its way to the area satellite trucks. The fire or road department personnel simply punch in a four digit code and start filling. A heated concrete pad in the filling area prevents ice and potential falls during the winter.

In addition to the county equipment, trucks are available on site which could be diverted for use in an emergency situation.

The facility operates 24/7 using a simple touch screen for access. Phone numbers are posted by the controls if help is needed. Controls are run through the cell phone system and are monitored constantly, at the pumper station and at the depot. In case of a power outage, valves can be cranked open by hand.

The Richland County road department supports the fire department by filling their tanker trunks with water and delivering it to the staging area. They also maintain fire guard roads by pulling back vegetation. “We’re the back-up for the fire department,” employee Scott Johnson said.

Larry Christensen, fire chief and county fire warden is impressed with the facility and the fire fighting benefits it offers. “It’s a lifesaver to be able to fill the tanks quickly,” he said. Rob Gilbert, fire marshall and deputy fire chief, echoed the sentiment. “The depot will save time refilling tenders, as well as wear and tear on equipment and even fuel usage,” he said “This will be a huge benefit on a big enough fire.”