There is a need in both the military and public sectors to upgrade existing, older-generation fire
hydrants with a new-generation system which is corrosion-resistant and also helps to prevent deliberate
injection of chemical/biological contaminants into the drinking water systems. Unfortunately, it is very
common for many hydrants to be internally severely corroded enough that they will not operate at a
critical time—during a fire. This inoperability is caused by corrosion of the older cold-rolled steel stems
to such an extent that the fire fighter is unable to open the hydrant’s water valve. As part of the Army
and Department of Defense (DOD) Corrosion Program, 90 older-generation corroded (and difficult to
open) fire hydrants of various brand names, models, and vintages have been upgraded with a newgeneration
retrofit system at a major Army installation. The innovative, but off-the-shelf product requires
no expensive excavation and promises to be reliable, economical, and corrosion-resistant since the
main component is manufactured of series 304 stainless steel. A demonstration and evaluation project
is underway and will conclude in March 2012.
Key words: fire hydrant, corrosion-resistant, water security