'I couldn't even shower' Bronx residents endure impacts of illegally opened fire hydrants
News 12 cameras captured multiple of these hydrants equipped with various homemade add-ons, spraying an endless supply of water into the streets in Morris Heights - and did not see anybody using this water supply to cool off.
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Illegally opened fire hydrants in the Bronx are leaving residents to deal with significantly decreased water pressure in their homes.
News 12 cameras captured multiple of these hydrants equipped with various homemade add-ons, spraying an endless supply of water into the streets in Morris Heights - and did not see anybody using this water supply to cool off.
Multiple residents say the low water pressure makes everyday tasks impossible.
"It's been coming out, like, very thin. So bad last night, I couldn't even shower," said Moises.
Others expressed concern about flooding as the hydrants dump large amounts of water into the streets.
"I'm trying to pass by. I could barely pass by without getting my feet wet," said Wendy.
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection recently reminded New Yorkers about the potential impacts of illegally opened hydrants, including decreased water pressure in homes.
NYCDEP says open hydrants can also pose a larger safety threat by impacting the pressure of the water used to battle fires.
To avoid these potential risks, as well as fines of up to $1,000, 30 days behind bars, or both, New Yorkers are urged to get free spray caps from their local firehouse.
"If you don't have a spray cap on a fire hydrant is about a thousand gallons of water per minute that we're losing. You put a spray cap on now, it's 20 gallons," explained Beth DeFalco, deputy commissioner of communications and public affairs with the NYCDEP.
Residents who see a running hydrant are asked to report it as soon as possible by calling 311 or using the NYC 311 mobile app.
