<P> Both wet - and dry - barrel hydrants typically have multiple outlets . Wet barrel hydrant outlets are typically individually controlled, while a single stem operates all the outlets of a dry barrel hydrant simultaneously . Thus, wet barrel hydrants allow single outlets to be opened, requiring somewhat more effort, but simultaneously allowing more flexibility . </P> <P> A typical U.S. dry - barrel hydrant has two smaller outlets and one larger outlet . The smaller outlet is often a Storz connection if the local fire department has standardized on hose using Storz fittings for large diameter supply line . The larger outlet is known as a "steamer" connection, because they were once used to supply steam powered water pumps, and a hydrant with such an outlet may be called a "steamer hydrant", although this usage is becoming archaic . Likewise, an older hydrant without a steamer connection may be called a "village hydrant ." </P> <P> Hydrant coloring may be due to either purely practical criteria or more artistic . In the United States, the AWWA and NFPA recommend hydrants be colored chrome yellow for rapid identification apart from the bonnet and nozzle caps which should be coded according to their available flow . Class AA hydrants (> 1500 gpm) should have their nozzle caps and bonnet colored light blue, Class A hydrants (1000--1499 gpm), green, Class B hydrants (500--999 gpm), orange, Class C hydrants (0--499 gpm), red and inoperable or end - of - system (risking water hammer) black . This aids arriving firefighters in determining how much water is available and whether to call for additional resources, or find another hydrant . Other codings can be and frequently are used, some of greater complexity, incorporating pressure information, others more simplistic . In Ottawa, Ontario, hydrant colors communicate different messages to firefighters; for example, if the inside of the hydrant is corroded so much that the interior diameter is too narrow for good pressure, it will be painted in a specific scheme to indicate to firefighters to move on to the next one . In many localities, a white or purple top indicates that the hydrant provides non-potable water . Where artistic and / or aesthetic considerations are paramount, hydrants can be extremely varied, or more subdued . In both instances this is usually at the cost of reduced practicality . </P> <P> In Germany and The Netherlands, most hydrants are located below ground (resp . Unterflurhydrant and ondergrondse brandkraan) and are reached by a riser (resp . Standrohr and standpijp), which provides the connections for the hoses . </P>

How much water flows through a fire hydrant