The Hendersonville Fire Department performs hydrant maintenance annually in the months of April and May.
This process consists of firefighter’s verifying proper operation of the hydrants, recording various pressure readings, conducting basic lubrication, adding reflectors to increase visibility, and flushing the hydrants to remove sediment that may be deposited between the water main and the hydrant. Some issues may arise during the program such as a temporary drop in your water pressure or a temporary change in the color of the water.
Brown Water
Some water pipes can accumulate deposits on the inside of the pipe wall. Most of the time, this is not a problem, but changes in water pressure and changes in flow direction caused by construction activity or the use of fire hydrants can cause these deposits to break loose and dissolve in the water, resulting in discoloration. The city’s Water and Sewer Department recently completed system-wide flushing and this should help to minimize the likelihood of these deposits breaking loose while we are testing the hydrants.
Although unpleasant, it’s temporary and not harmful. If you have discolored water you should let your cold water faucet run until the water appears clear. If the problem persists, contact the Hendersonville Water and Sewer Department during regular business hours at 828-697-3073 or the afterhours number at (828) 891-7779.
Program Benefits
Routine maintenance will help identify problem hydrants and report issues to the City of Hendersonville Water and Sewer Department for repair. Identifying these issues early, will help to ensure the hydrant is ready for use during an emergency and save critical time during a fire incident. Routine maintenance also helps improve our familiarization with hydrants in the area and allows us to verify they are unobstructed and easily accessible.
Thank you for your understanding as we work in partnership with the Hendersonville Water and Sewer Department to ensure the hydrants in your neighborhood are ready for an emergency.
For more information about water line flushing and hydrant maintenance, visit the Hendersonville Water and Sewer Department’s FAQ page at www.hendersonvillenc.gov.