The City of Cartersville Fire Department will be partnering with the City of Cartersville Water Department over the next several weeks as the fire hydrant testing process begins for 2011. Since hydrants do not get used on a regular basis, testing the hydrants helps identify any problems so they can be corrected, saving the fire department valuable time in the event of a fire. Accurate and current hydrant flow data also effects the communities insurance rating that has a direct bearing on the cost of residential and commercial insurance policies. Common problems include obstruction by shrubs, out of service valves, caps that cannot be removed, inadequate water pressure, insufficient water supply or broken lines. Testing of fire hydrants also has a long-term benefit, as it reduces iron deposits in the water system.

With more than 1,400 fire hydrants in the City of Cartersville, the testing process has recently been re-evaluated and modifications have been made. The goal is to complete one-third of hydrants each year, establishing a three year rotation for accurate flow data for the Water System; this is the second year of this rotation. This modified rotation will also conserve water. Testing will always take place Monday through Friday and will be completed by noon to allow ample time for any challenges that are encountered. The city is working hard to keep all residents and businesses informed of when testing will be taking place in their area. Signs with dates will be placed in the applicable areas prior to testing, phone messages will be sent out using the Connect CTY system.

This process should not cause any inconvenience to the public, however, occasionally, testing the hydrants does stir up some sediment in the pipes, causing some minor discoloration. If this occurs, the water is perfectly safe for drinking, but please run your water until it is clear prior to washing any laundry. City officials said they appreciate the public's patience when this critical testing is taking place in their area.

For more information contact Ray King at 770-387-5635.

Following is the schedule of hydrant flows:

Day 1 -- May 2

W16-0715-0143 715 West Ave.

W16-0735-0144 735 West Ave.

W16-0759-0145 759 West Ave.

W16-0774-0995 774 @ Advanced Auto

W16-0801-1359 801 West Behind Century Bank

W16-0801-1360 801West Behind Waffle House

W16-0805-0146 West Ave @ Perkins Dr

W16-0809-1261 West Ave. @ Kingdom Hall

W16-0825-1260 825 West Ave

W16-0825-1259 825 West Ave @ Ingles

W16-0825-1258 825 West @ Shaw

W16-1061-1256 Shaw - between West ave. & fence





Day 2 -- May 3

W16-1061-1255 1/2 mile East of D Ferry/ Shaw

D16-1130-0154 At McDonalds 1130 West Ave.

W16-1220-1262 CFD Station 3

W16-1261-1329 1261 West Ave

W16-1331-B0000 1331 West Ave

W16-1350-0000 1350 West Ave/ middle of Ladds

W16-1450-0150 1450 West Ave

W16-1450-0151 1450 West Ave.



Day 3 -- May 4

W16-0640-0142 West Ave & Lee St.

L08-0229-0172 Lee & Pine

P18-0037-0904 37 Pine St.

W36-0012-0173 12 Woodview

W36-0020-0174 20 Woodview

A18-0009-0809 9 Assembly Dr

W35-0000-0169 Woodland & Pine

W35-0011-0168 11 Woodland

W35-0020-0167 20 Woodland

W35-0115-0166 115 Woodland

W35-0126-0165 126 Woodland Dr



Day 4 -- May 5

Mitchell Ave. 162,161 Plymouth Dr. 163,164 Terrell Dr. 157,158,823 (Behind House), 160,159

Old Mill Rd. 1010,9,1011,12

P27-0135-0162 135 Plymouth Dr.

M29-0115-0161 115 Mitchell Ave

P27-0120-0163 120 Plymouth Dr

P27- 0112-0164 112 Plymouth Dr

T08-0112-0157 112 Terrell Dr

T08-0306-0158 306 Terrell Dr.

T08-0401-0823 behind 401 Terrell

T08-0400-0160 400 Terrell Dr.

T08-0408-0159 408 Terrell Dr.

O05-0326-1010 315 Old Mill/Directly across from Terrell

O05-0311-0009 311 Old Mill Rd

O05-0310-1011 310 Old Mill across from Excel

O05-0325-1272 325 Old Mill Rd.