I have always wondered how hydrants are tested to confirm pressure. I would see the city drain the hydrants periodically, but not test for pressure.

At Fort McCoy, the fire department used to test the hydrants. In 2026, the testing was contracted to a 3rd party, and I arrived home just before the testing started.

The process consisted of adding a cone with a pressure gauge to the discharge end of the hydrant. The good thing about the cone was that the tester could direct the flow. Another person at the hydrant next to the one being tested would measure something (I don’t know what) and tell the tester to start.

Once the OK to start was given, the tester would use a wrench to unscrew the bolt on top of the hydrant to start the water flow. The water would run for probably 30 seconds and tester would read the gauge. Fortunately for us, the tester was very conscientious and ensured the water would not hit our Star-link satellite dish and trailer. The tree was soaked for days …