Fire hydrants
Keep fire hydrants clear and easy to reach so firefighters can respond quickly in an emergency.
On this page:
- Keep hydrants clear
- Fire hydrant inspections and maintenance
- Fire hydrant flow tests
- Report a fire hydrant issue
Keep hydrants clear
If there’s a hydrant on your property, you must keep it:
- visible and accessible at all times
- clear of snow, trees and other vegetation
- with at least 1.2 metres (4 feet) of clear space on all sides
Under the Ontario Fire Code, hydrants must remain clear and unobstructed at all times.
Fire hydrant inspections and maintenance
City-owned fire hydrants are inspected each year to make sure they work during emergencies.
Inspections and maintenance for privately-owned fire hydrants are the responsibility of the property owner.
Fire hydrant flow tests
Waterloo Fire Rescue does not manage fire hydrant inspections or testing.
A hydrant flow test measures water flow and pressure.
To ask about a flow test, email utilities@waterloo.ca.
Report an issue
For hydrant questions, inspections, repairs, or to report a problem, contact City of Waterloo Utilities at utilities@waterloo.ca.