How Do Different Cities Color-Code Their Fire Hydrants?

Fire hydrants are essential for fire safety, but did you know the colors on hydrants mean different things? Many cities use a color-coding system to show how much water is available from each hydrant. This helps firefighters know which hydrant to use during emergencies. But the colors and what they mean can vary between cities.

Standard Color-Coding in the U.S.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a recommended color system in the U.S., but not all cities follow it exactly. Generally, fire hydrants are painted to show their water flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). Here’s the basic guide:

Blue: These hydrants have the highest water flow rate, usually more than 1,500 GPM. These are ideal for large fires.
Green: Hydrants with 1,000 to 1,499 GPM. These are also good for most firefighting needs.
Orange: These provide 500 to 999 GPM, enough for smaller fires.
Red: These hydrants offer less than 500 GPM and should only be used as a last resort for smaller fires.

The body of the hydrant is often painted a different color than the top to indicate whether the water is from a public or private supply.

Local Variations

While the NFPA offers guidelines, some cities have developed their own systems based on local needs. For example:

New York City: NYC hydrants are often painted black or silver, though color isn’t as closely linked to water flow here as in other places.
San Francisco: San Francisco hydrants are often white or yellow, with some areas using different colors to indicate specific districts or water sources.

International Color-Coding

Other countries have their own systems, too:

Canada: In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, hydrants are usually yellow with different tops (blue, green, orange, or red) to indicate water flow rates.
United Kingdom: In the UK, hydrants are often underground, marked by a yellow sign with a black “H.”

Why Color-Coding Matters

Color-coding hydrants is more than just aesthetics—it’s a crucial part of firefighting strategy. The colors quickly inform firefighters about water pressure and flow rate, ensuring they choose the right hydrant for the job. This can save valuable time during emergencies.

In summary, while there are national guidelines, cities may have their own color-coding systems based on their needs. Knowing how to read hydrant colors can make all the difference in an emergency.