Hydrants

There are over 1200 hydrants located in the Town of Clayton as required to provide adequate fire protection.

A Fire hydrant is an outlet from a water main, often consisting of an upright pipe with a valve attached from which water can be tapped.

It is a source of water provided in most towns with municipal water service to enable firefighters to tap into the municipal water supply to assist in extinguishing a fire.

Hydrant Maintenance

Each year the Town works to reduce the number of inoperable hydrants through:

  • Flushing
  • Pressure Testing
  • Maintenance 

Hydrant Painting

During the warmer months of the year, the Town begins its hydrant painting program to update the aesthetics of the water hydrants in Town.

Hydrant Banding

After hydrants are painted, the fire department sends crews out to put a color-coded numbered band on each hydrant to identify that hydrant. The band color represents the GPMs (gallons per minute) the hydrant flows. The colors are as follows:

  • Red: 0 to 499 GPM
  • Orange: 500 to 999 GPM
  • Green: 1000 to 1499 GPM
  • Blue: 1500 or more GPM

If you see a hydrant without a band on it, know that the fire department is aware, and in the process of getting it banded.

Hydrant Flushing

Municipalities are required to perform hydrant flushing once per year by the Department of Insurance. Flushing hydrants helps to lower the town's fire protection rating, which in turn lowers your property insurance premiums. Flushing also helps to clean sediments and other deposits out of the water system that build up over time.

What to Expect While Flushing

The fire department flushes hydrants with a crew of firefighters on a fire truck. This is done so that the crew is ready to respond immediately if they receive an emergency call. When a hydrant is flushed, large amounts of water are flowing through the water lines. This causes any sediment that has settled on the bottom of pipes to break free. Crews allow water to flow out of the lines until the water becomes clean and clear. You may notice your water become a rust color when you first use it after flushing has occurred. Don't be alarmed. Allow your water to flow for a few minutes, and it should clear right up.