Chief: Fire Hydrant Maintenance May Discolor Water

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Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar is informing residents that the agency’s annual fire hydrant maintenance could cause sediments to appear in their water.

Edgar said the city-wide effort will last into mid-April. During testing, firefighters flow the water in the hydrants until it runs clean.

Depending on hydrant placement in the water main system, this may inadvertently cause sediment to be loosened in the lines. Edgar said crews try to push the water out systematically so no households are affected. However, sometimes – in a cul-de-sac, for example – this is not possible.

As a result residents may see temporary discoloration in water coming from their faucets, showers, washing machines or dishwashers, said Edgar. If this happens, residents are urged to call the city of Milton at 678-242-2541.

“We’ll be happy to come out and flush the line,” Edgar added.

The Milton Fire Department would like to stress that the sediment is not an issue with the Fulton County Water & Sewer Division. It is merely a natural occurrence in the lines.

Photo credit: city of Milton’s Flickr account