What is a hydrant primarily used for in a water distribution system?

A hydrant in a water distribution system serves primarily as an access point for firefighters and emergency services to draw water to extinguish fires, which is why it is crucial for fire protection. The design of fire hydrants allows for a quick and effective way to access a substantial flow of water from the distribution system. They are strategically placed throughout urban and rural areas to ensure that firefighters can quickly reach water supply during emergencies.

While hydration can serve multiple functions within a system, such as flushing out sediment or maintaining pressure, the primary intent is fundamentally tied to fire safety and providing a reliable source of water during firefighting operations. This focuses the importance of hydrants on their role in public safety rather than other potential uses like irrigation or water quality monitoring, which are not their main objectives. Therefore, option B concisely encapsulates the essential purpose of a hydrant in the context of water distribution systems.