City Warns Against Illegal Use of Fire Hydrants This Summer
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is cautioning residents against the use of open fire hydrants to beat the summer heat.
According to a press release from the DEP, an illegally opened hydrant can release over 1,000 gallons of water every minute, which can significantly decrease water pressure. This decrease can jeopardize firefighting efforts and limit water supply to residents and essential services.
Furthermore, improperly opened hydrants can disturb sediments, leading to discolored water, the agency noted. “We’ve observed nearly a record usage of open hydrants, possibly the highest we’ve seen in at least a decade,” said New York City DEP Deputy Commissioner Beth DeFalco in a CBS News report.
“Opening a hydrant without proper tools can cause issues like brown water since it disturbs sediments,” DeFalco added, pointing out that low water pressure remains their primary concern.
Officials indicated that hydrants can be legally accessed with a “City-approved spray cap,” which helps maintain water pressure by only releasing 20 to 25 gallons per minute. Residents 18 and older can get a spray cap at any local firehouse for free.
Bronx resident Valerie McCray shared her observations about the open hydrants near her home, stating, “Yesterday there were about 20 or 25 kids playing in the water. Today, no one. Just a man washing his car.” She also mentioned noticing a drop in water quality: “It’s not discolored right now, but the pressure is so low you can’t even wash the dishes.”
The DEP clarified that while discolored water isn’t harmful, it isn’t safe for consumption and residents should run their tap water until it clears.
The repercussions for illegally opening a fire hydrant can include up to 30 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. New Yorkers are encouraged to report any open hydrants to 311.
To address the challenges posed by open hydrants, the DEP has deployed a mobile command bus throughout the city to monitor and respond to complaints regarding hydrants, low water pressure, and flow rates.
