(1) In those areas where minimum fire flow requirements must be met, fire hydrants shall be provided in accordance with WAC 248-57-600. If phased installation of water facilities are approved by the department, fire hydrants do not need to be installed until source, storage, and transmission capacity needed to meet the minimum flow requirements are operational: Provided, That in such instances a "T" shall be installed every 900 feet where fire hydrants will be located.

(2) Fire hydrants shall be located at roadway intersections wherever possible and the distance between them shall be no further than 900 feet.

(3) All fire hydrants shall conform to American Water Works Association specifications for dry barrel fire hydrants. Each hydrant shall have at least two hose connections of 2 1/2" diameter each and one pumper connection. All connections must have national standard threads or other connection devices consistent with local fire protection authority requirements.

(4) Fire hydrants shall be installed plumb and be set to the finished grade. The bottom of the lowest outlet of the hydrant shall be no less than eighteen inches above the grade. There shall be thirty-six inches of clear area about the hydrant for operation of a hydrant wrench on the outlets and on the control valve. The pumper port shall face the most likely route of approach of the fire truck as determined by the local fire protection authority.

(5) Fire hydrants shall be located so as to be accessible by fire engines and not be obstructed by any structure or vegetation or have the visibility impaired for a distance of fifty feet in the direction of vehicular approach to the hydrant. Fire hydrants subject to vehicle damage (e.g., such as those located in parking lots) shall be adequately protected.

(6) Provisions shall be made to drain fire hydrant barrels to below the depth of maximum frost penetration.

(7) Out of service fire hydrants shall be repaired as soon as possible.

(8) Public water systems are encouraged to enter into contracts with local fire protection authorities to insure proper maintenance of fire hydrants.