Fire department announces dates for annual fire hydrant testing

The Waltham Fire Department will be performing their annual fire hydrant testing beginning on May 1 and continuing until May 29.

The testing will take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The testing is multi-faceted and will include inspections of the hydrants, lubrication of the hydrants’ caps, water pressure readings and a flushing of the hydrants. The testing will cause rust-colored water to come out of cold water taps in the surrounding area. If residents notice rusty water, Chief Andrew Mullin advises them to run their cold water taps until the water turns clear.

There is no set schedule for which neighborhoods will have their hydrants tested. 

“These inspections are done while companies are in service — working around calls and the weather.  Therefore, we can not predict when companies will be at specific hydrants,” said Lieutenant Michael Murphy in an email to The Waltham Times.

If you see WFD vehicles in the area or wet pavement around hydrants, that is a good indicator that hydrant testing might be happening in your neighborhood. 

Any concerns about rusty water that persists after having run the cold water tap for a period of time can be directed to the city’s Water and Sewer Department.