Dry Hydrants give Added Fire Protection
A dry hydrant is a non-pressurized, low cost pipe system installed along the bank of a pond or other body of water. The top of the pipe extends vertically above the ground in a place for easy access and is fitted with an elbow and cap for hook-up. The other end of the pipe extends out into the pond to a depth of 4 to 8 feet. The materials needed for a dry hydrant include: 6 inch (or larger) PVC Schedule 40 pipe, hose connection compatible with local fire department equipment, two elbows and a strainer with cap. The amount of PVC pipe needed depends on the location of the hydrant. The most limiting factor is the vertical length.
Water cannot be lifted by suction greater than 20 feet. The hose connection must be two feet above ground so the depth below ground to the water in the pipe cannot be greater than 18 feet. A preferred depth is somewhere between 5 and 10 feet.
The cost to install a dry hydrant varies with its distance away from the pond and the depth of excavation, and the average cost is around $950.00. Schedule 40 PVC pipe can be purchased locally in a number of building supply and hardware stores. The special fittings for the pond end and the fire hose end may be more difficult to find. They may however, be ordered through the conservation district for approximately $300.00.
Please call the Preble SWCD (937-456-5159) if you would like more information. You may also wish to check with your home insurance company to see if there is a deduction if you have a dry hydrant.
Don't worry about not having enough water in your pond to fight a fire. A 1500 gallon pumper truck would have to fill up four times to lower the water 1 inch in a 1/4 acre pond!
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