Understanding Hydrants: Types and Importance in Fire Safety

A hydrant is a device that provides a connection point for firefighters to access water from a municipal water supply to fight fires. It is typically located on the side of streets or in other public areas, and is connected to the water main through a network of pipes. When a fire occurs, firefighters can connect their hoses to the hydrant and use the water to extinguish the flames.

There are different types of hydrants, including:

1. Metered hydrants: These are the most common type of hydrant and have a meter that measures the amount of water used. The water is metered as it flows through the hydrant, and the fire department is charged for the amount of water used.
2. Unmetered hydrants: These hydrants do not have meters and are typically used in areas where the water supply is not metered.
3. Dry hydrants: These hydrants do not have a constant source of water and are typically used in rural areas where there is no municipal water supply. Instead, they rely on a tank or other storage device to hold water that can be used to fight fires.
4. Combination hydrants: These hydrants have both a metered and an unmetered outlet, allowing firefighters to choose which type of connection they need depending on the situation.

Overall, hydrants play a critical role in providing access to water for fighting fires, and are an important part of a community's fire safety infrastructure.