Somerville Fire Department To Begin Annual Hydrant Inspections

SOMERVILLE, MA — The fire department will begin its annual inspection and testing of fire hydrants across the city next week as part of a roughly two-week maintenance program aimed at ensuring hydrants are working properly in the event of a fire.

Inspections will begin Monday, Aug. 17, and are expected to continue through around Saturday, Aug. 29. Crews will conduct work Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional inspections possible between 6:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. if necessary.

As part of the inspections, firefighters will check each hydrant for physical damage, remove outlet caps and lubricate threading before opening the hydrant and briefly flowing water. The process allows crews to test each hydrant's mechanical operation while also evaluating water flow and pressure to ensure an adequate supply is available when needed during a fire.

According to the city, most residents should not notice changes to their water service while nearby inspections are underway, though the work may temporarily cause a slight drop in water pressure or discolored water in some cases. City officials said discolored water remains safe to drink and advised residents who experience discoloration to run the cold-water tap closest to their water meter at full flow until the water clears, a process that can take between five and 10 minutes.

The city is advising residents to avoid doing laundry, particularly with white fabrics, until their water runs clear. Those who wash clothes while the water is discolored and notice rust stains on wet laundry should not dry the affected items and can call 311 at 617-666-3311 to receive a free bottle of rust remover.

The inspections come as the Somerville Water Department continues its separate annual water main flushing program, which typically runs through late October. The city posts street-by-street flushing schedules online and updates them weekly.

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