Operating hydrants

No not all hydrants are the same, some hydrants are on small diameter pipes and don’t allow much water through, some are at the end of the line and may cause discoloured water if used. Some hydrants are for the Fire Brigade, and these are marked with yellow markings, or a yellow and black plate, these are for firefighting purposes only. The best hydrants are on larger diameter mains and we call these our ‘designated hydrants’.

Designated Hydrants were originally identified water abstraction points for hired standpipes. The identification of an available hydrant was and still is to be compatible with our Calm Network Principles.

The Calm Network Principle is that when operating a hydrant in a safe and controlled manner, which minimises disruption on the drinking water network. This is so we can protect all customers from discoloured water, high demand related poor pressures and reduce pressure transients that might otherwise lead to a burst water main.

We now have a designated hydrant MAP that will provide you with the location of each Hydrant we have identified as being a suitable Designated Hydrant with a unique target symbol. This will help you find your way around our water network, to a hydrant that is suitable for both of us. We have also undertaken a review of these locations in order to increase the number available and ensure they are more accessible whilst following Water Quality focused rules.

The designated hydrants map can be used on either a Desktop/Laptop browser or via the same URL when opened on a mobile phone or tablet with an internet connection.