Good fire hydrant information source.
Do you have Black Hydrants? Texas Statute 341.0357 provides for marking non-functional (less than 250 GPM) hydrants with black paint or black plastic cover. This is to help fire departments avoid non-functioning hydrants. There is controversy over some water companies which have painted all hydrants black on the basis that they cannot guarantee flow under all foreseeable circumstances. When hydrants which are currently functional are painted black, the fire department will look elsewhere for water supply, or will use the hydrant only to fill a portable tank from which an engine can pump. The FD cannot pump by direct attachment to a black hydrant. It is in everyones interest to understand what their hydrants are really capable of and have them marked accordingly. Water companies are supposed to test the hydrants periodically and report flows to the FD. In some places, FDs can do this testing. LSVFD is not permitted to do this.
National Fire Protection Association has issued NFPA 291 giving standards for coloring hydrants which indicate flow capability and potability. Unfortunately, there is not much compliance with this. Since fire engine pumps can deliver 1250 GPM or more, it is very important to be able to identify those hydrants capable of providing water supply for one or more fire engines.
Last Updated:Tuesday, 19-Aug-2008 14:45:50 EDT
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