Numerous towns and cities feature fire hydrants as essential elements for public safety which you will see as you walk around.
You might spot hydrants painted red, yellow, or blue but maybe, the color purple may have caught your eye recently. What exactly does a purple hydrant mean?
In this article, we’ll look at the meaning behind a purple fire hydrant, including color codes, specific purposes, and the flow rates they’re designed to handle.
Why Do Fire Hydrants Have Color Codes?
The paint on fire hydrants serves a functional purpose through color coding. Fire hydrants receive specific paint colors according to a standard system that delivers essential data to firefighting teams and utility services.
Through fire hydrant color codes, hydrants display their water flow capacity in gallons per minute as well as their water delivery speed. Emergency responders benefit from this visual system to determine hydrant performance levels which enable them to establish proper water supply for firefighting operations.
Special colors exist to show different water origins that avoid potentially hazardous situations and inappropriate utilization of resources. The fire hydrant color coding system uses specific colors to show water that is vital for protecting citizens’ health and water quality standards.
The Distinct Purpose of a Purple Fire Hydrant
A purple hydrant represents a non-potable water supply connection rather than showing potable water availability like its other color-coded counterparts. This fire hydrant symbolizes multiple types of non-drinking water supplies which include:
- Reclaimed Water: Treated wastewater that is suitable for irrigation, industrial applications and non-drinking uses but is unsuitable for human consumption. Using reclaimed water helps protect potable water supplies specifically in locations with water shortage problems.
- Raw Water Sources: The water from rivers, ponds and other unprocessed natural water bodies can be connected to these hydrants. The water becomes suitable for large landscaping projects as well as construction dust control and industrial functions that do not need potable water.
- Private or Industrial Use: The purple hydrant may function according to a dedicated system of non-potable water which belongs to a particular private property or industrial facility that operates independently from the municipal drinking water supply.
Purple fire hydrants are important in the United States because of the need for careful water use. They help communities manage water better by keeping treated drinking water separate from non-drinkable water.
This clear separation is very important for protecting both public health and the environment.
If you want to learn more about the purpose of other fire hydrants that are used specifically for firefighting, you can check out our article explaining the meaning of a red fire hydrant.
Knowing the Flow Rates of Purple Fire Hydrants
While the fact that a purple fire hydrant typically uses non-potable water is the most relevant identifying feature, knowing the flow rate is still important for any context in which the hydrant may potentially be used; such as in large volume irrigation or industrial practices.
Like other hydrants, the attaching bonnet (top) or caps of a purple fire hydrant are often color-coded indicating the flow rate capacity based on NFPA 291 water flow rate standards as the NFPA 291 standards have been adopted by much of the United States.
Purple hydrants are not typically used for firefighting, but many provide high flow rates (500-1400 GPM), depending on the system they are connected to.
The following list is shorthand describing categories of standard hydrant flow rates which applies to hydrants in general, including purples.
Flow Rate Category (GPM) | NFPA 291 Color Code (Caps/Bonnet) | Description |
1500 GPM or greater | Light Blue | Very large volume, high pressure. |
1000 – 1499 GPM | Green | Standard good flow. |
500 – 999 GPM | Orange | Moderate flow, potentially adequate for some fires. |
Less than 500 GPM | Red | Insufficient for effective fire fighting; primarily for flushing or other minimal use. |
If you want to learn more about the flow rates of other fire hydrants, you can check out our article explaining the meaning of a yellow fire hydrant.
The Importance of Water Flow Test Equipment
Regardless of color, every fire hydrant, including purple fire hydrants, needs to be inspected and tested for reliable operations and flow capability. This is where water flow test equipment plays a very important role.
For municipalities and private companies in the USA that have a variety of water systems, the ability to acquire accurate flow data is more than just regulatory compliance; but also on public safety and operational effectiveness.
Here are some important considerations regarding testing:
- Confirming flow capability: Sediment, corrosion, and blockages in pipelines can deteriorate the flow capabilities of a hydrant. Regular testing with accurate equipment confirms that a hydrant can provide the GPM (gallons per minute) it is designed for.
- Uncover issues with the hydrant: Flow tests reveal details like closed valves, high friction loss, leaks in the distribution system, etc. that may have an adverse impact on available water supply for emergency situations.
- System planning: Accurate flow data to inform engineers about all hydrants including purple fire hydrant connections enables them to accurately model future needs for water infrastructure growth and development.
- Regulatory requirements: Many municipalities require testing the hydrants periodically for fire codes, as well as insurance compliance.
Conclusion: What The Purple Hydrant Tells You?
The purple fire hydrant is an important signal for non-potable water uses in a community’s infrastructure that plays a very important role in water conservation and differentiating water resources, especially in places in the USA
Understanding what the hydrants are used for, and how much water they can provide helps you manage your water system better and stay prepared in case of an emergency.
For over 100 years, New England Manufacturing has been known as the top #1 business for providing the best water system equipment. We also have the skills to make sure your fire hydrants work correctly and follow the rules.
If you need expert help checking or taking care of your yellow hydrant or any other hydrant, so you don’t have to worry about following rules or if it will work when needed, trust NEMFG. Become part of our 80K happy customers by emailing us at sales@nemfg.com or by giving us a call.
