The City of Alcoa Fire Department will begin flushing and conducting water flow test on the City's fire hydrants on Thursday, April 3, 2008. Approximately 640 hydrants will be checked over the next several weeks. Testing is done on an annual basis and ensures that hydrants are in full working order and verifies their flow capacity.

This procedure is necessary to determine the quantity of water available for firefighting at each hydrant in the system. It also ensures that each hydrant is working properly and the highest level of water quality is maintained.

Flow testing the water distribution system can cause slight discoloration of water for a brief period of time. Citizen's who experience this problem should exercise patience as city personnel work to clear the water as soon as possible. Residents who experience discoloration can turn on their outside water faucet for approximately 10 to 20 minutes to aid in clearing the water system.

To report problems with the City of Alcoa water system call 865-981-4156.

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