Annual Hydrant Inspections are scheduled to begin on Monday, May 1, 2023

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 1 through June 23. 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 1, 2023 and is done 9 am - 4 pm Monday thru Friday until completed in Late June. Engine 1 (Harvard Square) & Engine 2 (Lafayette Square) 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 2023 is as follows:

Engine 1 (Harvard Sq) & Engine 2 (Lafayette Sq)                May 1 - May 12

Engine 6 (River St) & Engine 4 (North Cambridge)              May 15 – May 26

Engine 5 (Inman Sq) & Engine 9 (West Cambridge)            May 30 – June 9

Engine 3 (East Cambridge) & Engine 8 (Taylor Sq)             June 12 – June 23

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 the Cambridge Water Department at 617-349-4780. To report discolored water, call the Water Department at 617-349-4770.