What Do the Colors on Fire Hydrants Mean?

The tops of hydrants are color coded blue, green, orange, and red tops inform firefighters as to the water flow in the hydrant.

Blue hydrants have the highest flow rate and are therefore most desirable. They release water at 1,750 gpm (gallons per minute) and above. Green hydrants provide a water source at 1000-1750 gpm. Orange hydrants are at 500-1000 gpm. Red colored hydrants release water less than 500 gpm.

Today's modern firetrucks which all have a self-contained water supply, are able to "pump" out water at exceedingly high pressures. These "pumpers" then connect to a hydrant for additional water and to supply other arriving engines with water.