Space-Age Fire Hydrants Coming To A Curb Near You

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — A roadside fixture is getting a 21st century makeover. A new kind of fire hydrant designed in Canada has had its debut in Rockland, and you may find your street looks subtly different.

Suez officials have waxed poetic about the change:

American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson is often quoted about the value of “building a better mouse trap.” He might have said the same about fire hydrants. The familiar models we see save countless lives—and have been essentially unchanged since the late 1800s.

They're not just pretty, with a sleek space age design. The new 'Spartan' hydrants offer improvements ranging from increased water flow to better security.

The design includes features that make the hydrants less susceptible to freezing in the winter months and less susceptible to tampering by unauthorized users.

SUEZ has completed a 12-month pilot, and says the “new and improved’ hydrants have been embraced by area firefighters who find them efficient and easier to operate.

“SUEZ met to discuss the new hydrants with the Rockland County Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Association of Fire Districts and local fire departments. Additionally, field training upon the hydrants was conducted,” said Christopher Jensen, Acting Director, Rockland Fire and Emergency Services. “In fact, for the past several months we have had opportunity to train on the new Spartan hydrants that SUEZ installed at the Rockland County Fire Training Center. We’ve found that the new models are easy to operate and compatible with existing firefighting apparatus.”

A former New York City firefighter developed the Spartan hydrant which is manufactured by Siegelock Systems based in Oceanside, NY. The new design minimizes metal on metal contact between operating parts to ensure the hydrant will not seize. The hydrants also drain more readily after use which minimizes the possibility for freezing in the winter. They are made of more durable materials such as stainless steel, brass, and powder coated paint. The anticipated result is improved reliability, less frequent repair and reduced likelihood of water theft.

“The new Spartan hydrants have been field tested by the people who need to use them in a minute’s notice. They have become a new and valued tool in our fight against fire in Rockland,” said Chief Brian Leitner of the West Nyack Fire Department.

Spartan hydrants are being used in communities including Long Beach, NY, Maybrook, NY, and Boynton Beach, FL. They are also in service at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado.

There are currently approximately 250 Spartan hydrants in place throughout the county. SUEZ will phase in the new models as part of its ongoing maintenance and operations programs.

“Working with the firefighting community has been an important part of the pilot,” said Chris Graziano, vice president of SUEZ operations in New York. “This design incorporates some of the most significant hydrant changes in more than a century. That’s why we worked closely with firefighters to be sure they are comfortable with this new equipment.”

There are 6,500 traditional hydrants throughout Rockland County.

“These hydrants continue to have an important role in saving lives and property,” said Graziano. “SUEZ will diligently maintain them as we phase in the new models during the coming years.”

SUEZ serves about 300,000 people in Rockland County.

Images/ SUEZ

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