What is the purpose of hydrants in a water distribution system?

Hydrants play a crucial role in a water distribution system primarily by providing direct access to pressurized water for firefighting and maintenance activities. Their design allows firefighters to quickly connect hoses to obtain large volumes of water in emergencies, ensuring that they can combat fires effectively. Additionally, hydrants also facilitate system maintenance by allowing workers to conduct tests and flush the system to ensure optimal water quality and flow. This access to water helps maintain public safety and supports the overall integrity of the water distribution system.

While controlling water flow and storing excess water are important functions within a water system, those responsibilities fall to other components like valves and reservoirs rather than hydrants. Hydrants are not designed to filter impurities; instead, they provide a critical connection point for accessing the water already treated and transported by the distribution system. Thus, the function of hydrants is specifically aimed at enhancing firefighting preparedness and enabling efficient system maintenance.