The Waterville Fire Department soon will resume its annual testing of fire hydrants in the city to assure the Kennebec Water District’s water distribution system is providing adequate water supply at various locations for the fire suppression operations. This testing is required by Insurance Services Organization, an organization that determines fire insurance rates, and the National Fire Protection Association Standard 291, Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing of Fire Hydrants.

The fire department annually flow tests approximately 20 percent of more than 300 fire hydrants. Last year, the taxpayers of the City of Waterville paid more than $353,000 for hydrant rental. The fire department usually tests the hydrants between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This year, the testing schedule starts on July 17.

This year’s schedule is as follows:

• Week 1, July 17, 18 and 19: Front, Hathaway, Leighton, Temple, Elm, Park and Winter streets, The Concourse, Appleton Street Extension.

• Week 2, July 24, 25 and 26: Percival Ct., Spring, Silver, Water, Green, Kennebec and Bridge streets, and Lockwood Alley.

• Week 3, July 31, Aug. 1 and 2: Elm, School, Pleasant, School and Center streets, Western and Belmont Avenue and Sheldon Place.

• Week 4, Aug. 7, 8 and 9: Pleasant, Main, North, Center, Middle, Carrol and Burleigh streets, Pleasant Pl., Morrill Ave. and Sunset Terrace.

• Week 5, Aug. 14, 15 and 16: Gilman, Burleigh, West, Heath, Nash, South and Winter streets and Western Avenue.

• Week 6, Aug. 21, 22 and 23: Glen, Pray and Highland avenues, Merrill, Noyes and Squire streets, Lloyd Road, Mayflower Hill Drive, Waterville Senior High School. Averill Terrace and Brescia Court.

• Week 7, Aug. 28, 29 and 30: Mayflower Hill and Oak Knoll drives, Mt. Merici, Elmhurst and Western avenues, Charland Terrace, 1st Rangeway, Broad and Edgewood streets.

• Week 8, Sept. 4, 5 and 6: Chase and Martin avenues, Seton Area, Lincoln, Washington and Ursula streets and Lincoln Woods.

The department will try to minimize any negative impact on the water distribution system, but it is normal for water discoloration to occur. It’s advise that homeowners in the affected area to refrain from doing laundry, or use dishwashers during the testing period.

Any prolonged discoloration can be reported to the Kennebec Water District by calling 872-2763.