Over the next six to nine weeks, the Town of Southern Pines will flush and test fire hydrants throughout the town as part of a biennial requirement by the National Fire Protection Association.
The process will begin on Sunday, May 5, in the southern part of the town. Crews will generally work their way north, working in zones starting with Zone 1 this weekend, followed by Zones 2 and 5, likely by mid-next week.
While water flows, fire & rescue personnel will have temporary traffic controls in place. Hydrants will flow for several minutes at a time during testing. In rare cases, at the end of a water line, hydrants may run for several hours. Residents may notice a drop in water pressure and slightly cloudy water out of their taps during the testing and clear after a day or two. The water will remain safe to drink during this time.
Some common problems crews encounter during testing include vehicles, large obstacles, and landscaping placed too close and obstructing access. Residents are encouraged to ensure a three-foot clearance around any hydrant in their yard or business property.
To learn more about the National Fire Protection Association, visit https://www.nfpa.org/
Contributed.
