As high temperatures continued through Wednesday, June 25, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) warned New Yorkers about the dangers of illegally opening fire hydrants. Later on Wednesday, the mayor called for energy conservation as the City approached peak energy use.

 

They said illegally opened hydrants release more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute, which can drastically reduce water pressure. They said this puts lives at risk by compromising firefighting operations and reducing water supply to residents and critical facilities. They said illegally opening a fire hydrant can result in fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. They said New Yorkers are urged to report leaking, running, or illegally opened hydrants by calling 311 immediately.

 

Additionally, they said when hydrants are opened without proper tools, it can stir up sediments which results in discolored water. They said  while this is not harmful, discolored water should not be consumed. Residents are advised to run their tap until the water is clear and cold.

 

To better manage this issue, DEP officials said the department has deployed its mobile command bus to strategic locations across the city. They said this allows DEP to monitor open hydrant complaints, flow rates, and low water pressure reports in real time. Staffing levels have been increased to support hydrant patrol operations, enabling DEP to quickly dispatch field teams to close hydrants and assist the FDNY with any water-related issues.

 

They said fire hydrants can be opened legally if fitted with a City-approved spray cap, which releases only 20 to 25 gallons per minute. This helps maintain water pressure and reduces the risk of someone, particularly a child, being injured by the force of the water. Spray caps can be requested by an adult 18 or over, free of charge, at local firehouses.

 

DEP officials said if residents observe a running hydrant, they should report it immediately by using the NYC 311 mobile app or by calling 311. They said quick reporting helps DEP respond rapidly and maintain safe, reliable water service.

 

To report via the app:

• Open the NYC 311 app

• Tap “Request”

• Tap “Running Hydrant”

• Enter the location and submit

 

Or, simply call 311 and provide the location details.

 

On Wednesday evening, the mayor issued a statement on the situation, saying, “We’re approaching a period of peak energy use, and I’m asking all New Yorkers to help ease the strain on our power system. If you can, set your air conditioner temperature to the highest comfortable setting, turn off any appliances you’re not using, and hold off on running large appliances until after 10 PM. If you have more than one air conditioner, try to use just one. This heat wave is almost over. Let’s keep looking out for one another and keep our city running strong.”

 

Meanwhile, as reported, Con Ed is working to restore power to 390 remaining Bronx customers without power amid the ongoing heatwave.

 

DEP officials said the department manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.3 million in New York City. They said the water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes.

 

They said approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. They said DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules.