We’re now conducting our annual fire hydrant inspection and flow-rating program to help support fire protection. During this work, residents may notice discoloured tap water or reduced water pressure. We want residents to know that the water is still safe and they are encouraged to flush their pipes until the water 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. 

All 3,600 hydrants in the municipal water distribution system are inspected each year and 20 per cent of the hydrants are flow-rated on an annual basis. This year, our goal includes hydrants in Zone One (east of the Great Cataraqui River) and Zone Two (west of the Great Cataraqui River to Division Street). This target may change, as we continue to work within provincially-regulated COVID-19 restrictions.

As part of this program, licensed water distribution operators 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.  Operators use mobile applications on tablets to collect and manage accurate fire hydrant data while in the field. 

Ensuring that Kingston’s hydrant water supply is sufficient and available for suppression activities is essential for firefighters to save lives and protect properties from fire damage.

Fire hydrant inspection and flow-rating will take place Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM until October. Customers can get more information about the program by visiting www.utilitieskingston.com/Water/HydrantRating