Adopt A Fire Hydrant

Blocked, concealed, or obstructed fire hydrants—due to snow, weeds, or other obstacles—can impede emergency fire response.

Here’s where you can make a difference! By adopting a fire hydrant, you commit to clearing a three-foot area around it, ensuring there is a path to the roadway, that it’s visible and easily accessible to emergency responders. Adopt a hydrant now—your helpful action can help ensure public safety!

How to adopt a hydrant:

To participate in the Adopt A Fire Hydrant program, visit the application and fill out a form to choose a hydrant near your residence or commercial building.

Quick Reference Guide for Adopting a Fire Hydrant

When you adopt a fire hydrant, you agree to follow these important guidelines to help maintain it:

Do:

• Leave them be: Only emergency or WSSC Water personnel may operate hydrants. 
• Keep them clear: Mow the grass and remove snow around the hydrant when necessary. Ensure at least a 3-foot area around the hydrant is free from obstructions. 
• Report issues: If you notice any tampering, damage, disrepair, or unauthorized use, or if a hydrant needs painting, contact WSSC Water at emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com.

Don't:

• Block them: Never park cars within 15 feet of a hydrant. Only ground cover, such as grass, may be planted within 3 feet of any hydrant. 
• Tamper with them: Do not tamper with the caps or valves. Don’t attach anything to the hydrant, including reflective poles. 
• Paint them: Only WSSC Water is authorized to paint hydrants, as the colors are coded for the fire department and cannot be changed.