Hattiesburg Fire Department testing hydrants city wide | Environment

The Hattiesburg Fire Department is in the process of conducting fire hydrant testing through out the city.

The annual testing is required in order for the city to maintain its class four fire rating which helps keep home insurance rates low for residents. It's also is done to ensure that all hydrants in the city are operating properly.

During the testing residents may notice a slight discoloration in their water while hydrants are being tested in their neighborhoods.

"Normally we always have complaints about the water being rusty or dirty," said Paul Pressley, Assistant Fire Chief, Hattiesburg Fire Department. "the best way to solve that is to turn on the water in the bathtub or sink and let it run for a few minutes until it clears up and it will be okay."

Hydrant testing will continue through the end of May.

Copyright 2011 WDAM. All rights reserved.