[Press Release] : Annual fire hydrant testing begins May 1

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp, Public Information Officer -
(573-874-7557

Annual fire hydrant testing begins May 1

COLUMBIA, MO (April 30, 2008) - The Columbia Fire Department, in
cooperation with the Columbia Water and Light Department, begins annual
fire hydrant testing on Thursday, May 1. The testing will take place
throughout May and June and may continue into the first part of July,
depending on weather conditions. Columbia firefighters will test each of
Columbia's roughly 5,000 fire hydrants to ensure that they work
properly.

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 work in close proximity to the roadway. Motorists are
urged to slow down for their safety and the safety of the firefighters.

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 hydroplane.

Firefighters will work hard to minimize any damage to planting 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 hydrants, the water may become brownish in color due to
sediment in the pipes being stirred from the amount of water being
flowed through the main. If this occurs, residents should simply run the
tap for a few moments and the water should clear. Residents should avoid
doing laundry for several hours if they see the hydrants being tested in
their area.

If water appears brownish and does not return to normal after running
the tap for a few minutes, residents should contact the Columbia Water
and Light Department at 874-6229, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. or 875-2555 after 5 p.m. and on weekends and holidays.

- 30 -
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