Dumpster pools have been all the rage — we even reported on them in a previous post. However, the City of Philadelphia recently shut down the party after a block party rented a dumpster, filled it with water from a fire hydrant, and waded right in.
The city’s response wasn’t as lighthearted. The Streets Department is refusing to issue future block party permits to the street of the crime. Additionally, officials have questioned the dumpster rental company on their lack of permits and street protection.
The following is a clip from a statement released by the Mayor’s Office:
- First and foremost, this could reduce the amount of water available should a fire break out in that neighborhood. So if you would like to have water available should a fire break out in your home, don’t illegally tap a hydrant
- There is also the potential loss of life by injury due to the hydrant water pushing a small child or even an adult into oncoming traffic.
- Finally, remember that the pressure of the water coming out of the hydrant is so strong, and so powerful, that if opened too quickly or closed too quickly, it could deliver a jolt to the main of sufficient force that could break the main … and many blocks could lose water service until it is repaired.
What are your thoughts on dumpster pools and Philly’s reaction? Would you swim in a dumpster pool?