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Fire hydrants color. Color may seem like a minor detail but the hydrant color system functions in three important ways.

First, colors give firefighters and other professionals instant information about the unit’s status and water flow.

Second, a colored hydrant can indicate the water source. Third, painted hydrants indicate the likelihood that regular upkeep and maintenance are being performed.

OSHA also publishes standards to address hazards and protect water safety which encompasses water coming from hydrants.

OSHA advises using color to distinguish between potable and non-potable water sources with violet indicating the latter and recommends black paint for defunct or temporally non-working hydrants.

The painting and labeling of fire hydrant barrels and caps give firefighter and other officials various pieces of data notably water flow and water source. Colors also contribute to regular maintenance, since older hydrants that show severe fading are prime candidates for testing and repainting to meet code.