Fire officials notify residents of hydrant tests

The Ridgeland Fire Department announced in a Monday social media post that they will be performing annual hydrant testing throughout April and May.

In the post, Fire Department officials said they would provide updates on the areas of town that would see hydrant testing.

“We will make every effort to minimize any inconvenience to our businesses and citizens while we perform this necessary maintenance,” the post states.

The first two areas of Ridgeland to be tested will be from April 5 to April 8 in Areas 1 and 10 as designated on the included maps. Area 14 will be tested from April 8 to April 14. Firefighters started testing in Area 11 on April 7 and expect to continue through April 13.

Fire Chief Matt Bailey said that this is a yearly project for the Fire Department.

“We want to make sure that the word is out that we will be in your neighborhood at some point in time to make sure people know to flush their pipes,” Bailey said.

Bailey warns that during the testing period, areas may be affected by a temporary discoloration of water while they flush hydrants. It is recommended that anyone run their water until it is clear before drinking tap water or washing laundry.

Bailey said that they are spreading the work across their three shifts. 

Updates are available on the Ridgeland Fire Department’s Facebook page and through the city’s public alert system that includes text messages and phone calls to residents. Anyone can sign up for Ridgeland Alert on the city website.