Water

Eco-explainer: Should you open up fire hydrants to cool off?

As heat waves continue through the end of Summer, fire hydrants are one way residents cool off. But it’s an illegal – and unsustainable – habit.

Driving through certain streets in Philadelphia, you may get a soapless car wash by an unexpected open fire hydrant.

The City of Philadelphia has over 25,000 fire hydrants. But, they shouldn’t be used for cooling off from the summer heat.

An open fire hydrant can waste approximately 2000 gallons of water per minute?! They can also cause bodily harm due to the force, flood damage (flooded basements), and cause damage to the hydrant, jeopardizing its use in case of emergency fires.

It’s also illegal to open fire hydrants.


What should you do if you see an open hydrant?

You can call the Philadelphia Water hotline at 215-685-6300 to report an open fire hydrant.

Or share this vide:

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

2 days ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

3 days ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

4 days ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

1 week ago

Got to go? PHLASK helps you find public restrooms & water fountains in Philly

An app created to help users find drinking water in the city has expanded to…

1 week ago

A secret green space in the Delaware River? Meet Petty’s Island

Once home to oil refineries, this island is off-limit to (most) humans and now a…

2 weeks ago