[Alcoa, TN]—The City of Alcoa Fire Department (AFD) will begin testing fire hydrants starting on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The 2023 program will consist of the inspection, maintenance, and flowing of fire hydrants in the City of Alcoa. The program is expected to end in August. AFD will provide updates if this timeline changes.
National fire standards recommend this program be done to check for proper operations of fire hydrants and to ensure adequate water supply to fight fires. Most flow tests will be completed Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Night flows in commercial areas will be conducted at a later date.
Most fire hydrants do not get used regularly. The program goals are to identify problems and have them corrected by the Water Department, ultimately saving the fire department valuable time during a fire.
Why should you be notified of this program?
When fire hydrants flow, iron deposits in the water lines get stirred up. This can cause a brown discoloration to the water in that area. This condition is only temporary and will correct itself in a few hours. During these periods, we recommend that you flow your cold water to determine if there is any discoloration before use. While the water is still safe to drink and cook with, we recommend NOT washing any white clothes without first testing the water. It is also best to limit the use of your hot water until it's clear, as this will keep the iron deposits from going into your hot water heater.
Benefits of this program include:
1. Knowing that your fire hydrant has been tested and is in good operational condition should the fire department require its use.
2. Annual flows will reduce and ultimately remove the iron deposits in water lines and improve the overall quality of the water system.
All residents should check the clarity of their water on the scheduled days prior to doing laundry. If you have any questions, please contact the City of Alcoa Public Works Department at (865) 380-4800.