Supporting fire protection
Each year, to support fire protection and maintain the integrity of the drinking water system, Utilities Kingston inspects and performs flow rating tests on the fire hydrants in Kingston’s water distribution system. Licensed water distribution operators inspect mechanical parts for proper operation, assess the overall condition, and flush and test the flow rate of hydrants.
Please note that this program applies to municipally owned hydrants; privately owned hydrants are the property owner's responsibility.
Did you know? Treated water is de-chlorinated before it is discharged from the hydrant to Lake Ontario (our drinking water source).
Effect on tap water: discolouration and reduced pressure
Flow rating, as with other activities on the water distribution system, can temporarily disturb deposits that normally occur in water pipes. As a result, you may notice your tap water appearing brown or discoloured. Please be assured that the water remains safe to use. Running your taps (flushing your pipes) will help clear the discolouration.
How to flush your pipes :
- Locate the cold water tap that is closest to your water meter.
- Run the cold water until it becomes clear. This may take approximately 5 – 25 minutes.
If the water does not return to normal clarity after flushing, please contact Utilities Kingston at 613-546-1181. Never use social media to report a utility issue or emergency. Our emergency line is secure, private and monitored 24/7.
You may also notice temporarily reduced water pressure while hydrant flow rating is underway. Once the operators have completed their work (this usually takes about an hour), water pressure will return to normal.
Colour coding
Firefighters use colour coding to anticipate the water supply available through a hydrant when they arrive at the scene of a fire. Ensuring a reliable water supply helps them save lives and protect homes and businesses from fire damage. Hydrants are colour-coded to indicate how much flow is available through a hydrant at that point in the water distribution system.
| Class | Colour code | Rated flow US gal/min @ 20psi | L/s @ 70kPa |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA+ * | Blue | Greater than 2999 | Greater than 189 |
| AA | Blue | Greater than 1499 | Greater than 95 |
| A | Green | 1000 to 1499 | 63 to 95 |
| B | Orange | 500 to 999 | 32 to 63 |
| C | Red | Less than 500 | Less than 32 |
* AA+ is a non-standard classification that assists the fire department in identifying hydrants and mains that are capable of providing higher flow rates.
Did you know?
- There are 3,774 hydrants in the municipal water distribution system, which are proudly maintained and operated by the employees of Utilities Kingston.
- Automated field data collection for the fire hydrant inspection program using the location-based application Collector for ArcGIS reduces paperwork and increases productivity by digitizing processes.
- Fire hydrants in a municipal system are painted yellow to make them more visible at night.
- Fire hydrants in a private system are painted red.
- Utilities Kingston protects rebuilt fire hydrants with a Vortex coating system. This coating is highly resistant to impact, fading and K9P.
- In addition to colour coding the bonnets and caps, we add coloured hydrant markers (in the shape of discs). The markers reflect at night and help firefighters locate hydrants.
What's happening in 2026
From June until fall, all fire hydrants (including newly installed ones) will be inspected. Flow rating tests will be conducted in zones 2 North and 7 South:
- Zone 2 North: North of Queen Street, east of Division Street, west of Montreal Street, and south of the 401.
- Zone 7 South: South of Johnson Street to Lake Ontario, Portsmouth Avenue east to Johnson Street.
Explore the hydrant zones map. This work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, please call customer service at 613-546-1181 or email info@utilitieskingston.com from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.