July 10, 2023 12:41 PM

Public Notice: Hydrant Testing Occurring Throughout Grovetown

Public Notice:

Grovetown Fire Rescue will begin flushing and testing fire hydrants in July 2023 and will continue until complete. Information will be posted to social media regularly as to where testing will be conducted. The hydrant testing/flushing program is very important to the maintenance of the City’s water distribution system. During this process, it is not uncommon for a yellow, brown, or reddish tint to appear in your water. Harmless mineral deposits settle in water mains and flushing and testing the system stirs the deposits causing discoloration. Flushing removes the sediments from the mains and also serves the following purposes:

-Improves water quality in the distribution system
-Verifies the proper operation of fire hydrants and valves
-Helps find weaknesses in the water system
-Checks for closed valves and weak flows in the water mains
-Verifies adequate fire flows for firefighting

See below for some FAQs:
What should I do when the fire department is flushing in my neighborhood?
If you see Fire Department crews flushing a hydrant on your street, avoid running tap water and using the washing machine or dishwasher until the flushing is completed. Please drive carefully if you see the flushing crew working in the area.

What can I expect before and after flushing?
If tap water is used during flushing, it could come out discolored and contain sediment. If you encounter discolored water, shut the water off and wait several minutes. After waiting, check the clarity by running cold water for several minutes, allowing new water to work its way into your pipes. If the water is clear, it is OK to use. If not, wait several minutes and check again. In some cases, there may be slight discoloration for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water; it does not affect the taste or water quality.

The water may also have a milky appearance. This is due to tiny air bubbles that will dissipate out, and it is not harmful. Avoid washing laundry during scheduled flushing times. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap, then wash a load of dark clothes first. Hot water tanks can hold discolored water for some time after the cold water runs clear. If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped particles. There may be a temporary drop in water pressure. Flush your hot water tanks by running the hot water tap for a few minutes after the cold water clears.

For additional information about the flushing and testing program, contact Grovetown Fire Rescue or Utility Services at 706-863-4576.

Thank you for your understanding.