Sauk Trails Resource Conservation and Development Council
"Over 30 years of helping our communities develop & conserve their resources"
Photo Credit: USDA/NRCS What are dry hydrants?
A dry hydrant is a non-pressurized pipe permanently installed in existing lakes, ponds, or streams that provides a supply of water, by means of suction, to a tank truck. Tankers then shuttle the water to the scene of the fire. Where is a dry hydrant needed?
The dry hydrant system is needed in areas that lack conventional fire protection and systems that cannot handle the large volumes of water due to antiquated systems. Tanker trucks must be used to carry large amounts of water to the fire scene. The success of the operation hinges on the distance the trucks must travel to water source. Most areas have a number of ponds, lakes, and streams that could be used as the water source. The installation of a dry hydrant system into these water source provides a ready means of water to tank trucks. 
DRY HYRANT SYSTEM FACT SHEET
What are the benefits of a Dry Hydrant System?
A well planned designed dry hydrant system can improve fire fighting capability of rural fire departments, save fuel and reduce the cost of operations. Since tankers trucks have less travel times between fill-ups, this would save fuel. An additional benefit to citizens where dry hydrants have been installed is in the reduction of the fire classification for fire insurance. Fire insurance premiums for each area are based on classification by the Insurance Service Organization (ISO). The classification depends on each area’s ability to fight fires. Areas with no fire departments are given a Class 10 rating. As fire fighting capability increases, the rating decreases. With a dry hydrant system, this can assist with rating decreases. The ISO, however, make the final determination regarding the rate. · Permits: $50.00 for minor project permit Planning of a dry hydrant system involves several considerations. Sauk Trails Resource Conservation and Development Council can assist with the planning considerations process. Please contact Sauk Trails Resource Conservation and Development Council for assistance
Cost
The expense of a dry hydrant installation depends on design, which includes the length of pipe needed. The total cost should ranges from $1350 to $1600 for each dry hydrant. Estimates include...
· Construction equipment: backhoe: $100.00 hr x 4 hr/track hoe: $150.00 hr x 4 hr.
· Material: dry hydrant kit- PVC pipe and fittings, 8" standard, 40' total length standard = $900.00
