Hays Fire Department
The City of Hays Fire Department will began its annual citywide fire hydrant inspection and flow testing program on Monday, March 2. This coordinated effort ensures the reliability of the city’s water and fire protection infrastructure.
Annual maintenance is critical for public safety and water quality.
Inspecting the hydrants ensures that all valves operate properly and identifies any damage or obstructions that could interfere with prompt use during an emergency.
Additionally, firefighters conduct flow testing to check the pressure and volume of water mains in each neighborhood, verifying the system is adequately prepared for firefighting operations.
The process also plays a vital role in maintaining the city's water quality.
The associated flushing of the water mains allows chlorine to be distributed thoroughly throughout the system, which eliminates bio-filming and prevents sediment buildup in the pipes.
"Regular hydrant flushing is a necessary component of our community's fire readiness and public health," said Fire Chief Ryan Hagans. "By flow testing and inspecting these hydrants annually, we can guarantee our crews have the pressure and volume they need when responding to emergencies, while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of our water delivery system."
While the visual of water discharging onto streets may raise conservation concerns, the actual volume used during this maintenance is minimal.
During the short flushing periods, residents may encounter a slight discoloration of their water supply.
This is a normal result of the process and poses no health risk to consumers.
The Hays Fire Department will take all reasonable efforts to minimize inconvenience to the public.
Drivers are asked to avoid driving through water discharging from fire hydrants to maintain safety and prevent property damage.
Specific flushing areas will be updated daily and posted to the City of Hays website and official social media channels. For more information, please contact the Hays Fire Department at 785-628-7330, or visit HaysUSA.com.