Bainbridge Public Safety, in conjunction with the Bainbridge Water Department, will be conducting Fire Hydrant Flushing and Testing beginning Monday, June 23, 2014. The process of periodically “flushing” fire hydrants is an important preventative maintenance activity to insure the integrity of the water system and deliver the highest quality water to our customers.
As a result of hydrant flushing, residents in the immediate area may experience temporary discoloration of their water. This discoloration is harmless, and generally consists of precipitates which do not affect the safety of water consumption. If you notice that your water is discolored, you can clear this issue by running all water faucets inside your home for approximately 15 minutes, or until the water clears.
If water does not clear, please contact City of Bainbridge Public Services at 229-248-2015. Public Safety needs a clear 36 inch area around all Fire Hydrants in order to connect fire hoses to put out fires. Therefore crews will be clearing a 36 inch area around all fire hydrants. We ask that if you have planted flowers or placed other items around the fire hydrants to please remove them and keep the area around the fire hydrant clear.
Hydrant flushing serves the following purposes:
- Flushes sediments from mainline pipes, which enhances water quality.
- Verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves.
- Aids in determining weaknesses in the water system.
- Helps to identify closed valves and weak flows in the water main.
- Verifies ample water flow for firefighting.
*Note: it is important you do not wash laundry while water is cloudy or discolored.
Please wait until water is clear before laundering. The City of Bainbridge does not accept
responsibility for clothing reported as soiled or damaged when washed in cloudy or
discolored water.
Frequent Asked Questions About Fire Hydrant Flushing & Testing
Q: Why is my water pressure low?
A: Your water pressure may be low due to the flushing of fire hydrants, which lowers the water
pressure in the area that is being tested. This issue will be rectified once flushing is completed.
Q: Why is my water discolored?
A: Water discoloration, or turbid water, is caused by the stirring of sedimentation in the water
main when hydrants are flushed.
Q: What should I do about the discolored water?
A: Run all faucets within your home for approximately 15 minutes or until water clears.
Q: If water is discolored, is it safe for consumption?
A: Yes. The discoloration is caused by harmless mineral deposits which settle in the water main
and are stirred during the flushing activity. The water is harmless due to the amount of chlorine
that is flushed through the lines.
Q: Is it OK to wash laundry when water is discolored?
A: No. Please run all water inside the home for approximately 15 minutes or until water clears.
You should check water clarity by capturing a sample from the washing machine in a clear glass
or container. If water is cloudy or discolored, please do not wash laundry.
Q: Who should I contact if water does not clear after recommended precautions or for more
information?
A: Call City of Bainbridge Public Services at 229-248-2015.
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