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The Alabaster Fire Department and the City of Alabaster are planning on testing fire hydrants in September and October that could temporarily discolor water in neighborhoods closest to the testing on a specific day. (Courtesy / Alabaster Fire Department)
ALABASTER, Alabama -- Alabaster's fire hydrant testing in September and October may cause water to temporarily turn yellow, brown or rust-colored in neighborhoods immediately after the activity occurs.
Alabaster officials want the public to know the discolored water remains safe to drink or use for bathing during the testing.
"Discoloration occurs when sediment in the water main is stirred up due to changes in water velocity or direction of flow," the Alabaster Fire Department said in an email this morning. "Discolored water is safe to drink and bathe in. White or cloudy water may also occur due to the presence of tiny air bubbles."
If water discoloration persists for more than four hours after attempting to flush the home plumbing, contact the Alabaster Water Board at (205) 663-6155.
The fire department and the City of Alabaster are planning on performing the tests to gauge flow and working conditions of the hydrants with the following schedule:
September: Along and near Highway 31, Highway 68, Simmsville Road, Old Highway 31, Highway 87, the Promenade shopping centers, Saddle Lake Farms and the South Forty Subdivision.
October: Along and near Highway 119 from Thompson Road to city limits; Highway 17 from Creek View Elementary School to Butler Road; Kent Dairy Road; and the areas including subdivisions along Fulton Springs Road, Butler Road, Smokey Road and Mission Hills Road.
The fire department and city plan to use social media to give more precise information on testing days and locations.
Visit the Alabaster Fire Department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alabasterfire and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/alabasterfire. Alabaster City Hall's Facebook page is www.facebook.com/alabastercityhall.
The fire department and city recommends the following during testing:
- If possible, residents should avoid using water such as running faucets, dishwashers and washing machines while the fire hydrant testing is being conducted in their neighborhood. They may be able to prevent discolored water from entering their home by not using any water during this time.
- If possible, residents should refrain from washing laundry while fire hydrant testing is being conducted. Discolored water can stain clothes. Residents should verify that cold water in the house is clear at water faucets before using their washing machine. Start by washing a load of dark clothes first to minimize the potential for staining clothes.
- If there is discolored water, run the cold water faucets throughout the home for five to 10 minutes or until the water runs clear.
- Low water pressure or water flow after fire hydrant testing may be require checking and cleaning faucet filter screens throughout the house.
- If water appears to be white or cloudy, the discoloration will dissipate over time. Run water into a clear glass and place it on the counter for a few minutes. The air bubbles will burst and the water should become clear.