Wright-Patterson firefighters will be performing annual flow tests and inspection of all fire hydrants during the month of September.

Areas A and C will be tested Sept/ 10 through Sept. 14 with a make up dates of Sept. 17 through Sept. 21.

The Kittyhawk Center will be tested Sept/ 10 through Sept. 14 with a make up dates of Sept. 17 through Sept. 21

Pine Estates, Green Acres and Brick Quarters will be tested Sept. 10 through Sept. 14 with a make up date of Sept. 17 through Sept. 21

Area B will be tested Sept. 3 through Sept. 7 with a make-up date of Sept. 10 through Sept. 14.

The Prairies and the Woods will be tested Sept. 3 through Sept. 7 with a make-up date of Sept. 10 through Sept. 14.

Testing will take place during normal duty hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is mandated by fire protection guidelines. Some slight water discoloration and pressure fluctuations can be expected during the test period.

“The inspections and tests are required to determine the water flow available for fire fighting at various locations within the water distribution system,” according to. Glenn Eaton, Deputy Fire Chief. “By measuring the flow from hydrants and recording the pressures corresponding to this flow, the number of gallons available at any pressure or the pressure available at any flow can be determined through calculations or graphical analysis,” Eaton said.

Another important reason for the annual tests is to allow fire crews to visually inspect and operate hydrants to determine whether they are fully functional or in need of maintenance.

“Occasionally we will come upon a hydrant with a bad drain valve that could freeze up during the winter and thereby spell disaster for firefighters and those who are depending on them to put out the fire,” Eaton continued.

During the tests motorists should be on the lookout for fire department personnel operating hydrants and walking near the roadway. “Our people will be operating hydrants near curbs and in parking areas, so it’s important to be alert. Another thing that drivers should be careful about is not to drive or park too close to any hydrants,” Eaton said.

Eaton added that the firefighters use this experience to get reacquainted with the layout of the water distribution system and conduct pre-fire planning surveys during the tests. “Our folks really receive valuable training in facility location and design, street layout and fire protection systems by doing the tests. Base residents and workers should take some comfort in knowing that fire department personnel are updating plans and methods.” concluded Eaton.

During the hours of the tests, residents of dormitories and base housing are asked to refrain from using washing machines. Discoloration caused by the natural sediment being stirred up in the water mains may appear, presenting a cloudiness or rusty appearance.

This sediment is not harmful, but may be minimized by running your water faucets, especially after periods of decreased use.

Residents may also want to run their washing machines for approximately half a cycle without clothes after flushing is complete to keep clothes from becoming stained. Bioenvironmental Engineering personnel will be performing random sampling to ensure that the water meets acceptable drinking standards.”

Low water pressure can also be expected occur due to increased demand on the water distribution system. For more information call a Fire Prevention Specialist at 257-4075 during normal duty hours.

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