Love Your Hydrant - Be A Good Neighbour

Snow Clearing

Fire hydrants are owned and regularly maintained by the City of Markham Waterworks Department. Hydrants are connected to watermains allowing our Firefighters to access the water supply in emergencies.

As we enjoy the snowy season, the City of Markham reminds residents to be a good neighbour and help with clearing snow from around fire hydrants and catch basins. Emergency access to fire hydrants is crucial, especially during winter months. A snow-covered hydrant can delay emergency response time, putting our homes and families at risk.

Removing the snow from around a fire hydrant will help Markham’s firefighters access water quickly in case of a fire. Whether in front of your own home or down the street, clearing the snow away from hydrants is a community effort. Thank you for helping keep Markham safe.

Drinking Water Safety

A damaged hydrant isn’t just a maintenance issue—it can delay critical firefighting efforts and may also contaminate the drinking water system, posing a serious public health risk.

We encourage residents to report any unauthorized use of fire hydrants (water theft) as well as damaged or vandalized hydrants.

What You Can Do:

1. Report theft, damage, tampering by calling 905.477.5530
2. Whether in front of your own home or down the street, clearing snow, leaves and debris away from hydrants is a community effort. 

Only the City of Markham Fire and Waterworks Departments can use fire hydrants. Any unauthorized users will be charged and/or fined.