PLWC to Begin Fire Hydrant Testing

March 17, 2006 - Crews from Paragould Light Water and Cable’s Water Department will soon begin the annual testing and flushing of fire hydrants throughout the city of Paragould.

The annual testing and flushing of fire hydrants is required by the International Standards Organization (ISO) on all hydrants within the city of Paragould. PLWC will have two, two-man crews working in opposite directions across the city to keep from pulling too much water from any one particular tank.  The testing and flushing of fire hydrants will begin April 1st and will extend through the end of June.

The employees check numerous details on each fire hydrant to make sure each fire hydrant is working properly.  Static, Pitoit, and Residual pressure are measured at each fire hydrant to ensure proper flow of water.  Data is then recorded and stored at PLWC’s service center. 

Fire hydrants are also inspected for accessibility, leaks, and to ensure that all moving parts are in proper operating condition.  Fire hydrants that need to be re-painted receive a fresh coat of yellow, green or red paint according to the type and size of fire hydrant. 

PLWC will also be replacing older fire hydrants in the system.  This year PLWC will replace twelve hydrants.  This does not include any fire hydrants that are damaged or broken through regular use. PLWC asks that everyone use caution when traveling in the area of an open fire hydrant and that pedestrians remain a good distance away from an open hydrant.