Annual Hydrant Testing & Flushing

The Danville Fire Department will always begin testing and flushing hydrants in the Spring time and late Summer or Fall. Check for updates on City of Danville Facebook page. 

During the testing period, signs will be posted in each area before flushing begins. Flushing will be done between 8:30 am and 4:45 pm. Hydrant flushing and testing are done to ensure that all city-owned hydrants and water lines are operating properly and will be usable during a fire emergency. Hydrant flushing may cause discoloration of your household water in or near the areas being tested, which is a result of iron deposits being disturbed during the flushing process. Iron deposits can build up inside pressure tanks, water heaters, and water pipes. It occasionally breaks loose, causing rusty water when faucets are first opened. This happens especially when a city or household water lines are disturbed (e.g. moved, replaced, back flushed, or repaired) and rust breaks loose from old pipes.

Customers are advised to check their water for signs of discoloration prior to doing laundry. If you notice discoloration in the water, let it run until it clears before doing laundry. This usually takes less than five minutes. If laundry appears stained, keep the articles wet and rewash them using a rust-removing compound. Do not use bleach on stained laundry, as it will "set" the stain.

Area Maps

Area Maps by test date in PDF format can be downloaded:

• Week 1
• Week 2
• Week 3
• Week 4

Reasons for Testing

Check for updates this summer for testing dates. Fire hydrant testing is for your safety!

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.

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.

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.