05/31/2026
WHY THE DIFFERENT COLORS?
I had a hunch the different color hydrants have different purposes.
But, I did not know what.
Thanks to the good folks with Wartrace, TN fire now I do:
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They help firefighters quickly identify a hydrant’s flow classification and potential water supply during an emergency.
According to NFPA 291, hydrant bonnet and nozzle cap colors are commonly used to indicate flow capacity:
🔵 Blue – 1,500+ GPM (gallons per minute)
🟢 Green – 1,000–1,499 GPM
🟠 Orange – 500–999 GPM
🔴 Red – Less than 500 GPM
You may also see:
🟣 Purple (Violet) – Non-potable or reclaimed water
⚪ White – Drafting hydrant (local designation)
⚫ Black – Out of service (local designation)
⚠️ Keep in mind that hydrant markings can vary depending on the local water utility or jurisdiction.
Why does this matter?
When firefighters arrive at a fire, they must quickly determine if a hydrant can provide enough water to support firefighting operations.
Knowing the hydrant’s flow classification helps crews make faster decisions and establish an effective water supply.
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OKAY THEN …
