Which hydrant features its operating valve located at the base and avoids water accumulation in the barrel?

The dry-barrel hydrant is designed with its operating valve located at the base of the hydrant, which helps prevent water from accumulating in the barrel of the hydrant itself. This design is particularly advantageous in regions susceptible to freezing temperatures, as it minimizes the risk of water in the hydrant freezing and causing damage during cold weather.

When the hydrant is in use, the valve opens to allow water to flow through the hydrant into the connected piping system. Once the hydrant is closed, any remaining moisture in the barrel drains away, ensuring that there is no standing water left to freeze. This design feature is crucial for maintaining operational reliability of fire hydrants in climates where low temperatures can pose significant challenges.

In contrast, the wet-barrel hydrant has its operating valve located above ground, allowing water to remain in the barrel at all times. This can result in water accumulation, especially in colder weather, making these hydrants unsuitable for colder climates. The functionalities of public and private fire hydrants relate more to their ownership and management rather than their design features, which is why they are not the correct answer in this context.