In compliance with National Fire Protection Association 291 Recommended Practices for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants adopted by Florida Administrative Code 69A-3.012, American Water Works Association (AWWA), and Florida Administrative Code, all fire hydrants in Marion County are marked on the body of the hydrant excluding the three caps and the top bonnet.

Advantages for MCFR and Hydrant Owners

The marking of fire hydrants assists in determining the responsible owner of the hydrant and reduces liability to the fire department in regards to fire pump hydrants.

For hydrant owners, marking hydrants reduces the possibility of unauthorized water use with the identification of hydrants on public and private mains. It also reduces the possibility of damage to fire pumps which supply fire hydrants that need manual shut down.

Marking System

Public Hydrants: Red

Hydrants connected to a public utility system on municipal mains are colored red. These red hydrants are found in the cities of Ocala, McIntosh, and Belleview. Also, any hydrant on Marion County Utilities mains and the Villages would be included in this designation.

Private Mains or Privately-Owned Hydrants: Yellow

Hydrants owned by private utility companies are colored yellow, including utility companies not listed above. This marking system is also used for businesses or communities which are responsible for their own fire hydrant repairs and maintenance but not connected to a fire pump.

Examples of private systems would include Residential Utility, Windstream, Tradewinds, and Countywide Utilities. Examples of privately-owned hydrants include hydrants include Marion County School Board, Scorpion Performance, Lindale Mobile Home Park, Southern Sun RV Park.

Fire Hydrants Supplied by Fire Pumps: Silver

Fire hydrants where water is supplied is from a fire pump and not public or private mains are colored silver. Examples of fire pump hydrants include Petro, Jai Alai, Associated Grocers, etc.

Flow Rate Markings

Flow rate markings all the flow rates and capacities of hydrants to be easily identified. Marking the fire hydrants with capacities allows the fire engine operators to know the capabilities of each hydrant and help prevent damage by knowing the maximum gallons per minute flow for the fire crews. The caps and top bonnet are to be painted based on the flow rates achieved from the hydrant.

Color Code of Hydrants

• Red: Flow rates of 0-500 gallons per minute
• Orange: Flow rates of 501-999 gallons per minute
• Green: Flow rates of 1000-1500 gallons per minute
• Blue: Flow rates in excess of 1500 gallons per minute