Hydrant Meter Rental
The Holland Board of Public Works allows approved contractors to use public fire hydrants for sources of water. The water must be metered and an approved backflow prevention device must be attached to the hydrant to protect the public water system. Contractors are NOT permitted to use their own meter or backflow device. Backflow preventive devices are provided for a fee.
This program is to designed to discourage theft of water and to keep the public drinking water safe. Therefore, there are no exceptions to this practice.
To request rental of hydrant meters and backflow preventers, please fill out the rental application. The completed rental application can be emailed to watermaintenance@hollandbpw.com, faxed to 616.355.1560, or dropped off at the Service Center. The contractor is then responsible to pick up the equipment at the Service Center. The equipment may not be left out overnight without supervision and must be returned before November 1 of each year, otherwise additional charges apply.
The hydrant barrel must be pumped dry after every use.
Hydrant Flushing
The Holland Board of Public Works maintains approximately 2,300 public fire hydrants. Hydrants are the main water source for fire supression. However, they are also used in the maintainance of the public water system.
All Holland Board of Public Works hydrants are inspected, tested, flushed, maintained, and winterized on an annual basis, in the Fall, starting September 15 of each year. Winterizing does not render the hydrant out of use, it merely prevents it from freezing during the winter months. If you see a hydrant leaking, please call 616.355.1643 immediately.
Hydrant Flushing is done to clear the public water mains of any deposits that may have built up inside old metal pipes. Clearing these deposits ensures a high quailty, long lasting and reliable public water system. Deposits can collect in dead end water mains where there is little water consumption. Hydrant flushing can disturb these deposits, and can result in water discoloration. If you experience discolored water, letting water run for a few minutes might resolve this issue. For best results, run your bath tub spigot for a few minutes.
The photos above show how rusty water is flushed from the water system in less than 15 seconds.
Flow Testing
The Holland Board of Public Works is available to test the fire hydrant flows in your area, in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 291. This test reveals how much water to expect from the public water system, in gallons per minutes, at a known pressure (usually calculated at 20 psi). Due to winterizing activities, the Holland Board of Public Works charges a fee for this service between November 1 and March 31. Other times, this service is free. The hydrant is then color coded with a retroreflective tape on the flange, in accordance with NFPA Classification ratings.
Hydrant Tampering is a very serious offense! Individuals caught illegally tampering with hydrants will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This includes defacing or operation without proper equipment. The Holland Board of Public Works assists the US Department of Homeland Security in investigating cases of hydrant tampering.
What can you do?
Be vigilant of the hydrants in your area. Report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.
Keep the area around hydrants clear. This means keeping landscaping and weeds from obstructing the view or operation of the hydrant.
In the winter time, keep snow away from hydrants and make sure there is access to the hydrant at all times. Do not push or plow snow in front of the hydrant.
Never park in front of a hydrant! State and City Ordinances prohibit obstructions or parking within 15 feet of a hydrant.