[Press Release] : Annual fire hydrant testing begins April 15

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Lt. Steven E. Sapp, Public Information Officer - (573)
874-7557
or (573) 441-4702

Annual fire hydrant testing begins April 15

COLUMBIA, MO (March 31, 2006) -- The Columbia Fire Department, in
cooperation with the Columbia Water and Light Department, begins the
annual fire hydrant testing on Saturday, April 15. The testing will take
place throughout the month of April and May. Testing may continue into
the first part of June, depending on weather conditions. Columbia
firefighters will test each of Columbia's roughly 5,000 fire hydrants to
ensure that they work properly in the event they are needed.

Firefighters will remove the caps, clean and oil them, and then operate
the hydrant to allow water to flow from each hydrant. While this testing
is in progress, residents should be aware of the following:

Firefighters will be working in close proximity to the roadway.
Motorists are urged to slow down for their safety and the safety of the
fire fighters. 

Large amounts of water may be released onto the roadway. Again,
motorists are urged to slow down as the water can pool and cause
vehicles to hydro-plane. 
Firefighters will work hard to minimize any damage to plantings in the
area of the fire hydrant, however, property owners may need to trim
plants and bushes that block the hydrant from being visible to
firefighters. 

While testing the hydrants in your area, the water may become somewhat
brownish in color due to sediment in the pipes being stirred from the
larger than normal amount of water being flowed through the main. If
this occurs, simply run the tap for a few moments and the water should
clear. Avoid doing laundry for several hours if you see the hydrants
being tested in your area. 

Should your water appear brownish and not return to normal after you
have run the tap for a few minutes, contact the Columbia Water and Light
Department at 874-6229 during the day or 875-2555 after hours. 

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