By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Communications Officer
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (April 4, 2016) – The Mount Pleasant Fire Department is testing fire hydrants in your neighborhood during the month April. The testing is performed to ensure that the hydrants work properly and operate at peak capacity. The fire hydrant flushing allows MPFD to clean the sediments out of the water mains.
“We conduct tests on fire flow to determine water availability in planning for firefighting activities, fire sprinkler systems or domestic water demand,” said Fire Chief Herb Williams. “The tests are also useful in determining the general condition of the water distribution system by detecting closed valves or wall deposits. A well-maintained water system enables firefighters to extinguish flames and prevent large- scale damage or loss of life.”
Testing will occur in Mount Pleasant during the month of April. Residents will observe staff flushing water from fire hydrants. Far from “wasting” water, flushing is one of the most important maintenance practices that can be performed on a water distribution system.
Mount Pleasant Waterworks suggests avoid washing clothes, especially white, if residents experience water discoloration. The discoloration is harmless but can create aesthetic problems. MPW recommends clearing the sediment from the lines by running the water at all faucets for 10-15 minutes.
Testing will be performed by the fire stations at the following locations:
Station 1 – Ben Sawyer Blvd, Coleman Blvd., Chuck Dawley Blvd, and the South end of Rifle Range Rd.
Station 2 – Belle Hall, all subdivision off Needlerush Parkway, Hobcaw Point, and Wando Plantation Way
Station 3 – Anna Knapp Blvd., Baytree, Bayview, Cooper Estates, Harry Hallman Blvd, Houston Northcutt, Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Patriots Point, Paces Watch, The Groves, and West Coleman
Station 4 – Brickyard Plantation, Gregory Ferry, Hamlin Plantation, and Rifle Range Rd. north of IOP connector
Station 5 – Hwy 41, All of Park West subdivision, and Rivertowne Place (this excludes Rivertowne Country Club, which will be done in October)
Station 6 – Carolina Park, Ivy Hall, Oakland Market, Park West, Wando High School and Whitehall Terrace
Station 7 – Wando Crossing, Bowman Road and all accompanying subdivisions, and Chuck Dawley Blvd and accompanying subdivisions.
For more information, contact the Fire Department at www.tompsc.com, on Facebook or Twitter.