KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Sherwood Fire Dept. Testing Hydrants

Sherwood Fire Dept. Testing Hydrants

NEWS RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Assistant Chief Alan Earnhart

Sherwood Fire Department

501.835.0342

For immediate release:

SHERWOOD — The Sherwood Fire Department, in cooperation with Central Arkansas Water (CAW), this month will be conducting the first phase of the year 2011 flow-and-drain tests on public fire hydrants in the Sherwood, Sylvan Hills, and Brushy Island areas. Because the inspections involve the increased flow of water from fire hydrants, some customers may notice discolored water at the tap during the process.

The flow-and-drain inspections will begin Saturday, April 9, and continue through Sunday, April 17. The testing is a part of routine semi-annual maintenance on the fire hydrants. CAW customers received advance notification of the testing by way of an informational pamphlet that accompanied their March utility billing statements.

The purpose of the inspections is two-fold: To check fire hydrants for proper operation, leaks, and other possible maintenance concerns and to comply with the requirements of the Fire Department's Class 2 fire insurance rating. The flow-and-drain tests also help to enhance water quality by turning over water in low-usage water mains.

The Sherwood Fire Department conducts the flow-and-drain tests twice a year — in April and October — to ensure that all public fire hydrants within the department's service area are operating properly and are usable in the event of a fire or other emergency that requires water.

A quality firefighting system means better protection of people, property, and public health, and in some cases, lower home insurance premiums. Firefighters will test the fire hydrants during daylight and early-evening hours to pose as little inconvenience as possible to residents and business owners.

The increased flow of water from the hydrants occasionally causes the scouring of manganese that has built up on the lining of water mains. The scouring can result in discolored water at the customer's tap. The discolored water is bacteriologically safe but can stain clothing so the utility advises customers NOT TO WASH clothing in the discolored water. CAW further advises customers to check for discolored water in their washing machines before washing clothes during the fire hydrant testing and inspection period.

The Fire Department cannot provide the exact day of the week that firefighters will be testing in a specific neighborhood. Customers who experience discolored water at the tap for more than an hour during the testing should call Central Arkansas Water at 501.377.1239.

The Sherwood Fire Department and Central Arkansas Water are responsible for the maintenance of public fire hydrants within the department's service area. The Fire Department conducts the twice-a-year inspections, and CAW makes needed repairs.

Customers with questions about the actual testing and inspection of fire hydrants should call the Sherwood Fire Department at 501.835.0342.