What is a ‘dry hydrant’?

A dry hydrant refers to a non-pressurized pipe system designed specifically to draft water from a static water source, such as a pond, lake, or cistern. This system is critical in areas where traditional pressurized water mains or fire hydrants may not be available, typically in rural settings. The dry hydrant consists of an inlet that is submerged in the water source and leads to a valve or connection point above the water's surface, allowing fire department apparatus to hook up and draw water when needed.

This equipment is particularly valuable because it enables firefighters to access large volumes of water in emergencies, which is essential for effective firefighting efforts. The system operates based on gravity and suction, with firefighters using their engines’ pumps to draft water into the fire truck. This setup is advantageous as it provides a reliable source of water during firefighting operations while being cost-effective and easy to maintain.

In contrast, a pressurized hydrant connected to a water main provides immediate access to water under pressure, while the other options either do not describe hydrants commonly used in firefighting or are not accurate representations of how hydrants function in relation to water sources.