Yes, Hydrants in Cambridge are Color Coded

The color code allows the engine company to choose the hydrant with the highest volume of water flow, if possible. The majority of our nearly 2000 hydrants are blue, meaning there is excellent water flow from the hydrants for firefighting purposes. Other hydrants are coded green, orange, and red. See the images below for the color coding key. 

Engine companies inspect every hydrant annually. The water flow from a hydrant depends on the pipeline grid, main size, elevation, etc. The staff of the Cambridge Water Department continually maintains the hydrants (as well as the entire water supply system) in excellent condition and has completed major upgrades in recent years.

(Note that any hydrant that is not color-coded is probably a newer hydrant and will be painted as needed.)

The water supply is also a contributing factor to our City of Cambridge Class 1 Fire Protection Rating, the highest rating available.

And remember: Always keep hydrants clear & accessible! Never park in front of the hydrant.

A vehicle obstructing the hydrant will delay the engine company's access to a positive water supply at a fire. Engines do have a water tank on board, but this tank supply may be exhausted in 2 minutes at full flow for firefighting.