Artists paint walls, canvas and other items as a form of self expression. Tacoma Water paints hydrants to help fire departments fight flames and keep construction sites clean. Here’s the kaleidoscope of Water’s colors you’ll find brushed on hydrants throughout the utility’s service area.

Silver – The standard color for hydrants placed throughout Tacoma Water’s distribution system.

Blue – Found in areas known for good water flow, these are approved to rent to contractors who have fulfilled necessary requirements.

Red – A national color representing low flow. Tacoma Water upgraded its system to support the replacement of all but one red hydrant. All other red hydrants belong to private companies, but might not actually be low flowing.

Yellow – Newly installed hydrants typically arrive yellow. You may find some yellow hydrants in Tacoma Water’s service area in Federal Way, but the utility will eventually paint them silver.

White with a green top – Serve the same purpose as a silver hydrant and can be seen throughout parts of Pierce County. Tacoma Water will eventually paint them silver.