Dry Hydrants

Dry hydrants are typically installed in nearby, developed water supplies in areas where water is not readily accessible. These areas may be rural or just disconnected from an established water system.

In these areas, dry hydrants can provide a simple, effective solution to fire fighting needs. Dry hydrants utilize a non-pressurized pipe system and are permanently installed in a rural area, connected to existing lakes, ponds, streams, and cisterns.

When water is needed, firefighters utilize a dry hydrant adapter to pump water from the lake by vacuuming the air out of the dry crank with a fire engine’s pump. The lower pressure this action creates in the pump intake forces water into the part of the hydrant that is above water, and finally into the pumper.