Fire department to test hydrants

The Fallon/Churchill Fire Department will be testing fire hydrants for the remainder of April and during May in the evenings.

During this period of peak fire demand water testing, it is common for water consumers to experience discolored water. The discoloration occurs due to abnormally high flows in the piping system, which can stir up small amounts of naturally occurring sediment.

Although the water may be discolored, the city said it has been properly treated and is entirely safe. If the water is heavily discolored, users may wish to temporarily refrain from drinking or washing clothes. The water discoloration will typically be gone within a few hours after the fire flow testing is completed.

After testing is complete, any discolored water in people’s home can usually be removed by flushing the water pipes for several minutes. The city said it is best to flush cold water from an outdoor hose bib or an interior bathtub fixture.

The city regrets any inconvenience that may result from this vitally important fire flow testing of our water system. If residents have any further questions, contact the city Engineer’s Office at 775-423-9863.