Don’t Waste Water, Ask The FDNY For A Spray Cap For Your Hydrant

In the middle of a hot July day, we can understand wanting to do whatever it takes to cool down — just don’t waste water!

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection just launched their 2014 Hydrant Education Action Team (HEAT) program to remind people about the dangers of illegally opening fire hydrants — they release more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute and can reduce water pressure in neighborhoods, making it difficult to fight fires.

So you still want to enjoy a splash through the hydrant’s water? No problem — they can be opened legally if equipped with a city-approved spray cap, which releases only 20 to 25 gallons per minute. That keeps water pressure adequate and won’t knock down any kiddos looking to play.

Spray caps can be obtained by an adult 18 or over with proper identification, free of charge, at local firehouses. Here’s where to go:

Engine 246/Ladder 169: 2732 East 11th Street, between Shore Parkway and Blake Court

Engine 321: 2165 Gerritsen Avenue, near Avenue U

Engine 276/Ladder 156/Battalion 33: 1635 East 14th Street, near Kings Highway

Engine 254/Ladder 153: 901 Avenue U, at East 9th Street

The firefighters will come to the site to install it, and then will return later that evening to remove it. Now have fun out there!