Correia Issues Reminder Regarding Fire Hydrants

PROVIDENCE, RI— Councilman Michael Correia (Ward 6), who serves on the Board of Directors for the Providence Water Supply Board (PWSB), is urging residents to refrain from tampering with fire hydrants to cool off during summer months.

Correia noted that improperly opening a fire hydrant could cause significant damage to the hydrant, rendering it unusable during an emergency. Open hydrants reduce neighborhood water pressure, which can impact emergency firefighting efforts. An open hydrant can also create water quality issues for the entire neighborhood. Repairing a tampered hydrant can cost PWSB between $3,000 and $5,000.

“I urge Providence residents to seek alternative ways to cool off this summer,” said Correia. “This is a matter of public safety, as hydrants must be intact to fight fires. Water pressure released from the hydrants can also be dangerous to young people.”

Correia asks the public to report improper fire hydrant usage to the Providence Police Department.