Hydrant Security Devices & Color Coded Rings

Update 6/7/18 - City of Aberdeen DPW crews are currently implementing a Hydrant Security Program.  This includes identifying, marking and securing each hydrant in the City's Water System.  With the approval of local Fire Departments, the locking devices being used will provide easy access for authorized parties to operate hydrants while inhibiting unauthorized access.  The color coded rings will help the Fire Department by indicating the volume each hydrant will provide.  These methods are being utilized in an effort to protect Aberdeen’s water utility and ultimately provide a better service to the community.  The rings being installed are black, red, orange, green and blue.  These colors do not indicate that the hydrant is out of service.  If a hydrant is truly out of service it will have a white ring that clearly states ‘Out of Service’

DPW has begun to install Hydrant Security Devices within the City.  Hydrant Security Devices are necessary to protect our water system and conserve water by preventing unauthorized hydrant use.  Remote areas of the water system, where theft is common, will be the first to be secured.  Over time the staff will work to secure every hydrant in the system.  DPW staff have already coordinated with local fire departments and Harford County to ensure consistency in our efforts and to ensure that authorized agencies can easily access hydrants when needed should the situation be required.