Bystanders applauded a Halifax Water employee as he helped stop a fire hydrant from gushing water onto a busy street during the morning rush hour.

The fire hydrant at the corner of Hollis and Salter streets started spewing hundreds of litres of water onto the street after it was struck by a truck, damaging the part of the hydrant connected to the water main.

At one point, the water was shooting over 7 metres high.

Halifax Water responded to the scene and one employee found himself in the middle of the deluge as he shut off the valve feeding the hydrant.

Onlookers cheered on the drenched city worker as he worked to stop the flood.

“Great job indeed by these dedicated employees,” tweeted Halifax Water. “Somewhat refreshing today, not nearly as nice in the winter.”

After Tuesday's collision, some say the time has come to retire the hydrant once and for all.

Marquessa Cook is the manager of Cabin Coffee and has seen many of these incidents.

“I don't think I can count on my two hands how many times the hydrant has been knocked over,” Cook said. “Twice in the past two weeks!”

James Campbell with the Halifax Water Commission says it probably doesn’t pose a public safety issue.

“There are hydrants all over that area, so it wouldn't be a service issue,” he said. “So we would let fire services know that that hydrant was now out of service, until we decide to repair it, replace it, or just put it out of service completely.”

Anyone who damages a fire hydrant, or spots a damaged fire hydrant, is asked to contact Halifax Water.