Cartersville Fire Department will be partnering with the 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 communitiy's 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 and the media will receive the schedules ahead of time.

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.

* May 31

Just past Family Savings CU

241 Douthit Ferry Road

245 Douthit Ferry Road

D16-0000-0833 Douthit Ferry Road

D16-0000-0834 Douthit Ferry Road

D16-0000-0835 Douthit Ferry Road

D16-0051-0836 Douthit Ferry @ Grove Park

50 Carrington Drive

41 Carrington Drive

27 Carrington Drive

13 Carrington Drive

3 Carrington Drive



* June 1

Douthit Ferry @ Grove Park Shops

Inside Fence at old Beef O'Brady's Restaurant

700 Douthit Ferry

Walnut close to Old Mill

Walnut Grove Road

103 Walnut Grove Road

100 Walnut Grove Road

148 Walnut Grove Road

52 Milner Road

148 Milner Road

432 Walnut Grove

Walnut Grove



* June 2

Walnut Grove and Douthit Ferry

825 Douthit Ferry/ End of Middle School Football field

825 Douthit Ferry/At school nearest Douthit Ferry

825 Douthit Ferry/ At School/Nearest Walnut Grove

D16-0000-1063 Douthit Ferry @ River Walk

D16-0000-1064 Douthit Ferry @ River Walk

D16-0000-1065 Douthit Ferry @ River Walk

D16-0000-1066 Douthit Ferry @River Walk

D16-0000-1067 Douthit Ferry @ Heritage Baptist

D16-0000-1068 Douthit Ferry @ River Walk

D16-0000-1069 Douthit Ferry Road