Did You Know? You Can Get a Fire Hydrant Opened for Summer Fun

By Y.M. Lowy

On a hot city day, few things feel as good as the spray from a fire hydrant. Years ago, it was a common sight in neighborhoods across New York. Kids in their swim gear, water spraying across the block, and the whole street turning into a playground. But many people today don’t realize it’s still possible and legal to open a hydrant the right way.

When a fire hydrant is opened without a spray cap, it releases water at full force, up to 1,000 gallons per minute. That kind of pressure can flood streets, damage roads, and most importantly, lower water pressure across the area. This can delay firefighters from doing their job safely and quickly during an emergency.

That’s why the city offers a smart solution. Anyone 18 or older with a photo ID can visit their local firehouse and request a spray cap. A firefighter will install it on a nearby hydrant and return later to remove it. The spray cap reduces the water to a safe and gentle stream, about 25 gallons per minute, which is just right for cooling off without wasting water or causing damage.

So, for city parents with kids home this summer, this is a great way to enjoy a city tradition.