The Valdosta Fire Department (VFD) will conduct its semi-annual fire hydrant tests from Monday through April 5. All city hydrants will be tested to ensure they are operable and able to produce the required water pressure when needed.

The VFD will begin testing in the most northern part of the city. However, since the testing must be performed during normal operating hours, it will be impossible to know in advance where or when the testing will take place in any specific area.

Opening hydrants may sometimes cause a temporary discoloration of water in nearby homes and or businesses. Citizens should not be concerned, as the discoloration is not harmful in any way and may be cleared up by running the water for a few minutes.

“This semi-annual fire hydrant testing ensures the protection of Valdosta’s citizens and serves as an evaluation indicator used by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), which rates cities according to the fire protection they offer,” said Fire Chief J.D. Rice. “In 2004, the ISO rating resulted in the elevation of the Valdosta Fire Department to a Class 2 protection rating, one of the top ratings in the state. The department has since maintained the Class 2 rating and is striving to achieve a Class 1.”

To learn more, please call the Valdosta Fire Department at (229) 333-1816.