Fire Department to Conduct Annual Hydrant Inspections September 15-27

The Somerville Fire Department will begin the annual inspection and flushing of all fire hydrants citywide on Monday, September 15, 2025, concluding on or around Saturday, September 27, 2025. This annual maintenance program helps keep our community safe by helping to ensure hydrants will work properly when needed to put out a fire.  

This inspection and testing program will take approximately two weeks to complete. Work will be conducted Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and if necessary, in the evening, from 6:15 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. Firefighters will check the mechanical operation of each hydrant, as well as briefly flush water from the hydrants. Feel free to thank our brave fire fighters for their year-round service when you see them out for this effort. 

In most cases, community members will not notice any changes to their water service.   

However, in some cases you may experience a temporary, slight drop in water pressure and/or discolored water:  

• Though the water may be discolored, it is safe to drink. 
• If discoloration occurs, you can open the cold tap nearest the water meter—such as a basement sink or a ground-floor sink—to full flow until the water runs clear. In some situations, this may take 5 to 10 minutes.   
• Until the water runs clear, it is advisable to avoid washing laundry, especially white fabrics. 
• If you happen to wash laundry while the water is discolored, don’t dry those items. 
• If any rust stains appear on wet laundry, those items should not be dried, and you can call 311 (617-666-3311) for a free bottle of rust remover.  

The Water Department also conducts additional water main flushing and maintenance year-round. Visit somervillema.gov/hydrantflushing to see hydrant flushing schedules by street. The schedules are typically updated weekly.  

Hydrant inspection and flushing schedules are subject to change based on weather and other factors.  

Anyone with questions regarding hydrant maintenance can contact 311 (617-666-3311).   

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.