Annual Hydrant Testing Weekdays from May 2 - June 25. Testing may disturb sediment and cause temporary water discoloration.


4/28/2022 • 2 years ago

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Cambridge Water and Fire departments will be conducting annual fire hydrant maintenance and testing weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., from May 2 through June 25. This process helps ensure maximum hydrant operability & proper water flows for firefighting. Annual hydrant testing is also a factor in our national Class 1 fire protection rating. Testing may disturb sediment that naturally occurs in the water piping system and may cause discoloration of water from faucets and toilets for several hours after testing.

Annual Hydrant Inspection & Testing starts on Monday, May 2, 2022 and is done 9 am - 4 pm Monday thru Friday until completed in Late June. Engine 3 (East Cambridge) & Engine 8 (Taylor Sq) will go first. Other engine companies will follow until every hydrant in the city is inspected. Ladder companies will assist as needed.

The planned schedule for 2022 is as follows:

Engine 3 (East Cambridge) & Engine 8 (Taylor Sq)               May 2 – May 14

Engine 6 (River St) & Engine 4 (North Cambridge)              May 16 – May 28

Engine 1 (Harvard Sq) & Engine 2 (Lafayette Sq)                 May 31 - June 11

Engine 5 (Inman Sq) & Engine 9 (West Cambridge)            June 13 – June 25

View Fire Hydrant Inspection Districts

Note: Schedule may change due to ongoing emergency response activity. Also, Saturday testing may occur in commercial areas.

Discolored water does not usually present a health hazard, though concerned residents should avoid drinking it. Check your water before doing laundry as the discolored water may stain clothes.

The City of Cambridge Water Department can provide a wash additive to remove stains. Please see the schedule or call the Cambridge Fire Department at 617-349-4921 between 8-8:45 a.m. for daily test locations.

For questions on water quality, call Ed Dowling, Cambridge Water Department at 617-349-4780. To report discolored water, call the Water Department at 617-349-4770.