Town of Long View issued the following announcement on Aug. 21.
The Long View Fire Department will be conducting hydrant flow tests from September 1st through November 30th.
The Long View Fire Department will conduct hydrant flow tests on approximately 300 fire hydrants located throughout the Town of Long View. Hydrant flow tests are conducted each year to measure real-world pressure and flow in the water system and are required by the NC Department of Insurance and for firefighting modeling purposes.
These tests are generally known as fire flow tests because the highest demands of the water system occur when fighting fire.
Flowing the fire hydrants assists with the flushing process and helps to remove corrosion, scale and sediment that build up throughout the year.
Residents should be aware there will be a temporary drop in water pressure during testing, and discolored water sometimes results following the flow tests. Both of these issues are temporary and should clear up quickly. The Long View Fire Department apologizes for any inconvenience the testing may cause but reminds the public this service is necessary to ensure the safety of Long View residents and visitors.
Fire Hydrant testing is for Your Safety!
Why do we test fire hydrants?
Testing ensures that hydrants are in full working order and verifies their flow capacity. Someone could also accidentally turn off the fire hydrant water valve and it would not be noticed until it is needed during a fire.
How do we test a fire hydrant?
In order to determine that a fire hydrant is capable of meeting fire flow requirements, Fire Department employees must open the hydrants and discharge water from the hydrant at a very high flow rate.
We will be testing:
- Static pressure: Available water pressure.
- Residual pressure: Available water pressure that is left over during flow.
- Flow pressure: Pressure that is flowing.
How does this affect the area where the testing takes place?
While fire hydrant testing is a routine maintenance procedure, it may result in temporary inconveniences. High flow rate discharge during testing disturbs sediments in the water distribution system. This often results in brown or rust-colored water. Hydrant testing may also reduce regular water pressure. Reduced water pressure should only be intermittent as the hydrants are being tested. Your regular water pressure will return to normal once the flow testing is complete.
What should you do while hydrants are being tested on your street?
• We recommend that you turn off your taps for 10 to 20 minutes while crews are testing the fire hydrants on your street and do not do laundry during that time. This should allow work crews enough time to complete the test. When work crews have left the area, turn on one of the COLD water taps in your home for a few minutes to flush out the system.
If you detect brown or rust-colored water, do not drink the water or wash your laundry. While discolored water is not harmful to your health, it can stain laundry.
Original source can be found here.
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