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Crime & Safety

Fire Hydrants Get Makeovers in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties

More than 5,000 hydrants are scheduled to get a fresh coat of paint this year.

 

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is sprucing up 5,000 to 7,000 of its fire hydrants in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties between May and November 2013.

The hydrants—currently gray or white with a green top—initially are being primed in a light gray color, and eventually will have their tops painted green and the bodies gray.

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The hydrants will remain in use during the refurbishment and the work is scheduled to be completed by November.

WSSC also inspects and maintains each of its 45,000 hydrants once every three years, and according to its website, 99.99 percent of their 45,000 hydrants are operational on an average day.

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WSSC fire hydrant facts:

  • Fire hydrants are made of cast iron and are designed to last 50 years or more, but the interior gaskets and seals require regular maintenance.
  • The 45,000 hydrants are spread over 5,300 miles of water pipe.
  • When fire hydrants need servicing, they are repaired within seven days 95 percent of the time.
  • About 13,000 hydrants are inspected in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties each year, with more than 10,000 of those inspections done between April and September.

If you notice a broken or leaking WSSC fire hydrant—with the green top and gray and white body—call WSSC at 301-206-4002.

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