As extreme heat continues in New York City, many are resorting to opening fire hydrants to cool down.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is asking New Yorkers to request spray caps from their local fire department, which helps conserve water and makes the use of the hydrants safer for the public.
Amid the record high temperatures, a DEP spokesperson said too many hydrants are being opened and posing a danger to critical water pressure.
"Yesterday, we saw probably some of the highest water flows that we've seen in at least a decade because of the number of open hydrants," said DEP Deputy Commissioner Beth DeFalco.
DeFalco said opening fire hydrants is illegal and can result in an up to $1,000 fine, and hydrants can also be damaged in the process and the high water pressure could lead to an injury.
According to the DEP, illegally opened hydrants release more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute.
When the hydrant is outfitted with a city-approved spray cap, a hydrant releases 20-25 gallons per minute.
The DEP has deployed its mobile command bus to locations across the city to monitor open hydrant complaints and low water pressure in real time.
Staffing levels have also been increased to be dispatched quickly to locations to close open hydrants.
To report an illegally opened hydrant, call 311.
Spray caps can be requested by an adult over the age of 18, free of charge, at a local firehouse.
