Starting May 1, Utilities Kingston begins its annual fire hydrant inspection and flow-rating program to help support fire protection. Residents may notice discoloured tap water or reduced water pressure. They are assured the water is still safe and should run their cold water tap until it is clear.

Flow-rating requires that we open the hydrant to maximum flow. This can reduce water pressure and disturb deposits that normally occur in water mains, possibly discolouring the water that services neighbouring homes and businesses. We want residents to know that the water is still safe and they are encouraged to flush their pipes until the water is clear.

While all 3,400 hydrants in the municipal water distribution system are inspected each year, 20 per cent of the hydrants are flow rated on an annual basis. This year, that’s approximately 850 hydrants in zones five and six (south of Princess Street and west of Gardeners Road to Division Street (excluding south of Johnson Street).

As part of this program, licensed water distribution operators from Utilities Kingston will inspect mechanical parts for proper operation, assess the overall condition of fire hydrants, and flush and flow-rate hydrants. Once the hydrants are rated, they are marked blue, green, orange or red to let firefighters know the flow rate (in US gallons per minute) of the hydrant.  Operators use mobile applications on tablets to collect and manage accurate fire hydrant data while in the field. 

This program is important for firefighters to be able to have knowledge of. and the confidence in the water supply available through a hydrant when we arrive at the scene of a fire. Ensuring that our water supply is ready and available will help save lives and protect homes and businesses from fire damage.

The 2017 program employs five summer students, who are provided with the required skills, training and certification, further developing youth employment in Kingston.

Fire hydrant inspection and flow-rating will take place Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from early May until September. Utilities Kingston customers can get more information about the program by visiting www.utilitieskingston.com/Water/HydrantRating