A key element of any, Alternative Water Supply Program is the inspection, maintenance, and flow testing of dry fire hydrant installations. Recommended practice regarding inspection is found in NFPA 1142. At a minimum, dry fire hydrants should be inspected on a quarterly basis and maintained as needed to keep them in good operating condition. So what does this inspection include? We recommend at a minimum that quarterly inspections include a visual check for damage to the piping and suction head, a visual check for adequate access to the suction connection, and a visual check of the water supply ensuring sufficient quantity and quality. The bottom line is that you cannot just install a dry fire hydrant system and then forget about it. Inspection, maintenance, and flow testing are three critical needs of a complete, Alternative Water Supply Program.

The photos shown with this News Story provide an excellent example of why site inspection is so important. The FD was not notified of a problem but one certainly was found during inspection!