Did You Know? The Cost of a Fire Hydrant Has More Than Doubled

Fire hydrants are an important part of the community’s water infrastructure, providing firefighters with access to water during emergencies. Like many of the materials needed to maintain the water system, the cost of purchasing a hydrant has increased significantly.

In 2020, a fire hydrant cost the Macon Water Authority approximately $1,489.90. By 2025, the price had climbed to $2,900. In 2026, that same essential piece of equipment costs approximately $3,250, an increase of more than 118% in six years.

MWA replaces more than 60 fire hydrants during an average year. At today’s price, purchasing 60 hydrants costs approximately $195,000, compared with about $89,400 at 2020 prices. That represents an increase of more than $105,000 annually for the hydrants alone.

Those figures do not include the additional cost of valves, pipe, fittings, equipment, labor, or restoring the area after the work is completed.

Hydrants may need to be replaced because of age, unavailable replacement parts, deteriorating infrastructure, or damage caused by vehicle accidents. Each replacement helps maintain reliable water service and ensures firefighters have access to dependable equipment when emergencies occur.

The recent replacement of an aging valve and out-of-service hydrant on Kent Drive is one example of the work MWA crews perform throughout the year to maintain the community’s water system and protect public safety.

Media Contact
Rachad Hollis
Communications Specialist
Macon Water Authority
478-464-5600
rhollis@maconwater.org