What defines a dry hydrant?

A dry hydrant is specifically designed as an intake pipe for fire-fighting purposes. It is typically installed in a body of water and consists of a pipe that connects to a water source, such as a pond or lake, allowing firefighters to draft water to extinguish fires. The presence of a strainer at the end of the intake hose helps prevent debris and sediment from entering the firefighting equipment, ensuring that clean water is drawn.

By facilitating access to water directly from natural sources, dry hydrants enable effective fire suppression in areas where municipal water systems are either unavailable or inadequate. They are particularly useful in rural or less developed regions where conventional fire hydrants may not exist.

This definition and function clearly distinguish a dry hydrant from other options such as a hose with a built-in pump, which is not specific to static water sources; a connection installed in a building, which pertains to internal water systems; and a portable water tank, which is a different method of water supply, often used for transporting water but not necessarily tied to a fixed water source.