MINOT — The City of Minot’s Water/Sewer Department will begin its annual fire hydrant quality assurance program on May 23.
There are approximately 2,300 public hydrants in the City of Minot. The department inspected and tested approximately half of the city’s hydrants in 2021, and expects to complete the remaining half this year.
“We feel like we’re prepared to ensure the hydrants are in proper working order when the fire department needs them,” Water and Sewer Department Supt. John Reynolds said. “We know how they mechanically operate, and we know when something is wrong. It went very well last year, and the plan is to get to the second half of the public hydrants in 2022.”
When hydrants are flowed, iron deposits in the water lines are stirred up, which can cause a brown discoloration in the water. This condition is temporary and will correct itself in a few hours. On the days when hydrants are flowed, officials recommend residents let their cold water run for a short time to make sure it’s clear before using it. The water is safe to drink, but it is recommended residents do not wash any white clothes when the hydrants in their area are flushed.
There are several long-term benefits to the hydrant program, including insuring the hydrants are in good working condition, reducing and removing iron deposits in water lines, and improving the overall quality of the city’s water system.
