Annual city fire hydrant testing set from April 28-May 19

The City of Fallon and the Fallon/Churchill Volunteer Fire Department will be testing fire hydrants during evenings in April and May. The annual testing is vitally important to ensure the system is functioning properly and is one of many requirements that the fire department must complete in order to maintain its ISO Class 1 rating. Maintaining an ISO Class 1 rating can help to reduce insurance rates that homeowners pay within the city.

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. Please remember that although the water may be discolored, it has been properly treated and is entirely safe. If the water is heavily discolored, you may wish to temporarily refrain from drinking or washing clothes. After testing is complete, any discolored water in your home can usually be removed by flushing your water pipes for several minutes. It is best to flush cold water from an outdoor hose bib or an interior bathtub fixture.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience that may result from this vitally important fire flow testing of our water system. For information, contact the city clerk’s office at 423-5104.