Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp, Public Information Officer - (573) 874-7557
COLUMBIA, MO (May 15, 2008) - The Columbia Fire Department, in cooperation with the Columbia Water and Light Department, will resume annual fire hydrant testing on Monday, May 19. The testing will take place throughout May and June. Testing may continue into the first part of July depending on weather conditions. Columbia firefighters will be testing each of Columbia's roughly 5,000 fire hydrants to ensure that they work properly in the event they are needed.
Firefighters will remove the caps, clean and oil them, and then operate the hydrant to allow water to flow from each hydrant. While this testing is in progress, residents should be aware of the following:
Fire fighters will be working in close proximity to the roadway. Motorists are urged to slow down for their safety and the safety of the firefighters. Slow Down - Move Over!
Large amounts of water may be released onto the roadway. Again, motorists are urged to slow down as the water can pool and cause vehicles to hydroplane.
Firefighters will work hard to minimize any damage to planting in the area of the fire hydrant, however, property owners may need to trim plants and bushes that block the hydrant from being visible to firefighters.
While testing the hydrants in your area, the water may become somewhat brownish in color due to sediment in the pipes being stirred from the larger-than-normal amount of water being flowed through the main. If this occurs, simply run the tap for a few moments and the water should clear. Avoid doing laundry for several hours if you see the hydrants being tested in your area.
Should your water appear brownish and not return to normal after you have run the tap for a few minutes, contact the Water and Light Department at 874-6229 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 875-2555 after 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
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