The Concept

Dry hydrant systems consist of a non-pressurized PVC pipe with a fire hydrant head above ground and a strainer below water. Dry hydrants, placed strategically around a rural fire district in ponds, lakes, streams or other bodies of water, eliminate the need for trucks to return to town to refill. Pumping water into tank trucks from these sources saves precious time.

The Benefits

Dry hydrant systems ensure an adequate water supply in areas where conventional fire protection is not available. Using raw surface water instead of treated drinking water is the right thing to do. Reducing the travel distance for shuttling water saves time and energy. Adequate water supplies can reduce fire losses and lives. They may also lower the cost of insurance. Improved fire protection can stimulate economic growth by making an area more attractive to homeowners and developers.

The Program

Prairie Hills offers cost-share assistance to landowners or fire protection districts to help offset the cost of purchasing and installing the system. We also offer free site investigation, design and installation assistance. A typical system costs from $400 to $800.