What color is used to signify that a fire hydrant flows less than 500 gallons per minute?

The color used to signify that a fire hydrant flows less than 500 gallons per minute is red. This color coding system is established to help firefighters quickly assess the water supply capability of a hydrant in emergency situations.

When responding to a fire, time is critical, and knowing the flow rate of a hydrant can influence decisions on resource deployment and fire suppression tactics. A red color indicates a lower flow rate, which may be less effective for fighting larger fires or in situations where high water volume is needed. In contrast, colors like blue and green represent higher flow rates, allowing for an immediate understanding of which hydrants are more advantageous to use in firefighting efforts.