Fire Hydrant Testing May Cause Water Discoloration
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WATER VALLEY – Fire fighters will be testing the water flow from fire hydrants in the northeast quadrant of town in the coming days, work that could cause water discoloration. Fire Chief Mark McGavock identified the area that includes Central Street and portions east all the way to Calhoun Street as the targeted area.
McGavock reported the discoloration is harmless, and there is no need to alert city hall if you notice it. He does not anticipate a drop in water pressure in the area, as firefighters will only test eight to 10 hydrants each outing.
“We will be testing at night, so that will give the water a chance to settle down by the morning,” the fire chief explained. Firefighters will cut each hydrant on for approximately 30 to 45 seconds and measure and document the flow rate, which is necessary to maintain or improve the city’s fire insurance rating. The work will also include painting the hydrants in the affected area.
Other fire department activity reported by the chief includes:
• A 2,500 square-feet addition to the police and fire department is almost complete. The addition is located on the south end of the building and includes three truck bays to house the department’s vehicles.
McGavock reported remaining work includes adding an asphalt driveway and one automatic garage door opener.
The fire and police departments moved into the 14,000 square-feet building formerly occupied by the National Guard last July. The addition brings the total square feet to almost 16,500.
• A new fire truck ordered by the city over a year ago will be delivered on June 10. McGavock reported the truck will be Blue Devil blue.
• The department has made 52 runs in 2021, including 11 house fires. The list of house fires included back-to-back calls during the ice storm in February. McGavock reported the first call was before the ice accumulated. The second call was on the icy roads, but the fire truck was only a few blocks away when the dispatcher alerted them.
“We haven’t had a total loss house fire in a long time,” the chief added.
