Frequently Asked Questions

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.

In order to determine that a fire hydrant is capable of meeting fire flow requirements, Danville Fire Department employees must open the hydrants and discharge water from the hydrant at a very high flow rate.

The Fire Department tested:

• Flow pressure: Pressure that is flowing
• Residual pressure: Available water pressure that is left over during flow
• Static pressure: Available water pressure

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, the water is not harmful.