In Changsha City, over 3,000 fire hydrants are strategically placed across the streets. However, since the beginning of summer, a severe drought has affected 126 villages and towns in areas such as Ningxiang, Liuyang, Wangcheng District, Changsha County, Kaifu District, Yuelu District, Tianxin District, and Gaoxin District. As a result, water has become one of the most valuable resources in the city. Despite this, some individuals and organizations have resorted to using fire hydrants for non-emergency purposes in an attempt to cut costs.
Since July, the local water supply company has been handling more than 70 fire hydrant repair requests daily. However, the actual number of leaks is likely higher. It's estimated that around 10,000 tons of tap water are wasted every day due to unauthorized usage. Unfortunately, the water supply department lacks enforcement power, so they can only issue warnings or discourage such behavior. This has led to a situation where fire hydrants have become a target for misuse—often referred to as "Tang Yao meat," meaning something everyone wants but no one can control.
Each day, garden and sanitation workers visit fire hydrants to collect water. They usually take the water and then close it immediately. There is also a manhole cover nearby, which is supposed to be a designated water intake point for gardens and public spaces, but it’s rarely used because the water from the fire hydrant is free and convenient. In addition, some nearby restaurants and hotels have been found abusing the fire hydrants for their own use, while some residents have even converted them into makeshift wells.
Long before this crisis, Changsha had already implemented the "Measures for the Management of Public Fire Hydrants in Changsha" back in 1999. According to Article 16, fire hydrants are strictly for firefighting purposes and cannot be used for any other non-essential water needs. Unauthorized use could result in a warning or a fine ranging from 200 to 500 yuan.
The Chinese Fire Protection Law also clearly states that no individual or organization may damage, tamper with, or deactivate fire-fighting equipment. If someone intentionally damages a fire hydrant, and the damage exceeds 2,000 yuan, it could potentially constitute a criminal offense under the Criminal Law, specifically the crime of deliberately damaging public or private property. If the damage is minor, it might still lead to administrative penalties under the Public Security Administration Regulations.
This ongoing issue highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement and greater public awareness about the importance of preserving fire hydrants for emergency use only. Without proper oversight, the misuse of these critical resources will continue to pose a serious threat to public safety and water conservation efforts.
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