The City of Lincoln has nearly 3,000 fire hydrants throughout the city, and maintaining them so they are ready in case of an emergency is one of the Fire Department’s and Public Works’ most important tasks.
Each year, fire hydrants receive a visual inspection covering accessibility, leaks, caps, drainage, and markings. Every five years, the Fire Department conducts a full flow test to confirm the hydrant can deliver water when needed.
“When you see a crew inspecting a hydrant, that is not busywork,” said Fire Chief Anthony Mejia. “That is us making sure your neighborhood is protected. It is one of the most important things we do that most people never notice.”
After each annual inspection, the Fire Department shares its findings with the Public Works Department. If a hydrant is not functioning properly, it is reported immediately, and a crew is dispatched to repair it.
“When a house is on fire, we need water immediately,” said Fire Chief Mejia. “This program ensures every hydrant in Lincoln is ready when it counts and is essential to our efforts to maintain life, reduce the severity of fires, and preserve our residents’ properties. Keeping the fire hydrant system well-maintained can also lead to lower insurance rates for residents.”
Public Works also assists the Fire Department by maintaining citywide water pressure and keeping roads accessible. “Good infrastructure directly impacts how fast we can respond,” Chief Meija said. “Public Works is the go-to department for any issues with supply, pressure, and servicing.”
