The Whitfield County Fire Department will be performing flow tests on the fire hydrants throughout the county beginning Sept. 3 and running through Sept. 30.
These tests, which will be conducted Monday through Friday only, are to ensure the proper working condition, water flow and pressure of the hydrants for needed water supply during fire suppression.
Residents are urged to use caution while approaching testing sites and prepare for personnel near the roadway and standing or flowing water.
Residents should be prepared for the possibility of discolored water in their homes as well as periods of pressure fluctuations during testing in the nearby area.
This discoloration is caused by the disturbance of sediments in the water mains while the hydrants are flowed. If water is found to be discolored, running the cold water faucet for a period of time will clear up the flow.
Officials said, "We apologize for any inconveniences during this mandatory process that is a requirement of the Insurance Service Office (ISO). It is being performed based upon the International Fire Code and standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)."