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Other News June 16, 2005
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DEP Urges Using Spray Caps To Open Hydrants

Commissioner Emily Lloyd of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection urges city residents to not open fire hydrants illegally during heat waves. Hydrants can be opened legally with a free, city-issued spray cap, like the one pictured below which can be obtained by anyone 18 or over at local firehouses.

One illegally opened hydrant wastes up to 1,000 gallons of water per minute, while a hydrant with a spray cap only puts out around 25 gallons per minute.

“Hydrants are for fighting fires, and should be used responsibly,” said the commissioner. “Illegally opened hydrants can lower water pressure, causing problems at hospitals and other medical care facilities, and hindering fire-fighting by reducing the flow of water to hoses and pumps.

Also, children can be at serious risk, because the powerful force of an open hydrant without a spray cap can push them into oncoming traffic.”

The penalty for opening a hydrant without a spray cap is $500. To report illegally opened hydrants or other water or sewer complaints, call the city’s 24-hour help line at 311.


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