Annual Hydrant Inspections Ongoing through June 21. Testing Can Cause Temporary Water Discoloration.

Cambridge Fire and Water departments will be conducting annual fire hydrant maintenance and testing weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., from April 29 through June 21. 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, April 29, 2024, and is done 9 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday until completed in Late June. Engine 6 (River Street) & Engine 4 (North Cambridge) 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 2024 is as follows:

Engine 6 (River St) & Engine 4 (North Cambridge)                   Apr 29 – May 10

Engine 5 (Inman Sq) & Engine 9 (West Cambridge)                 May 13 – May 24

Engine 3 (East Cambridge) & Engine 8 (Taylor Sq)                   May 28 – June 7

Engine 1 (Harvard Sq) & Engine 2 (Lafayette Sq)                      June 10 – June 21

Please reference: 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. If needed, 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.