Bartow, FL
Home MenuCitywide Fire Hydrant Testing
Public Service Announcement
Fire Hydrant Flushing and Maintenance
The City of Bartow Fire Department conducts annual fire hydrant testing and maintenance program. This program is very important to allow the City to identify the quantity of water available for firefighting purposes and it serves to rid the City’s water distribution system of accumulations of sedimentation deposits over the past year. Look for announcement from the City regarding dates and times in your area.
The fire hydrant testing and maintenance includes capturing flow readings, flushing of the fire hydrant and line, cleaning and painting, and documenting any inefficiency found. The maintenance program is performed by an outside contractor for the City of Bartow.
Citizens who experience any unusual water clarity problems after the hydrant flushing are encouraged to turn on a cold-water faucet outside of the house and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes. This will normally clear up the agitated water from the service line to the home. Sediment can accumulate in the lines, which can cause discoloration in laundry. We recommend that both the hot and cold laundry water is clear before washing. A slight decline in water quality is common immediately after fire hydrant testing has occurred. If water quality does not improve or further problems occur, contact the City of Bartow Public Works Department by calling 534-0100.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- Why is the water pressure low? 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.
- Why is my water discolored? Due to the fire hydrant flushing, customers could experience a temporary discoloration of water, which is due to the unsettling of rust in the water main.
- What should I do about the discolored water? Run the cold water for about five minutes - this should clear up the water.
- Is the water safe to drink? Yes. If the water would be unsafe for any reason to drink, a boil alert would be issued.
- When can I wash clothes? Run the Hot and Cold laundry water until it runs clear. Then it should be safe to wash.