Each year, firefighters test all fire hydrants in Seattle to make sure that they are working properly and will provide sufficient water if ever needed for a fire. Working in collaboration with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) who maintain and repair the fire hydrants, the Seattle Fire Department sets a schedule to test the hydrants during the warmer months.
Fire hydrant testing is happening now and should continue until the end of May. Hydrant testing is typically done in the morning hours between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
If you live near a fire hydrant that has been recently tested, your home water source may appear discolored for up to a few hours. This is normal and temporary, and the water is still safe.
If you experience discolored water, Seattle Public Utilities recommends running the cold water for a few minutes to see if it is clearing or still discolored. If the water does not clear, let the water sit for 1 to 2 hours. Then run cold water for a few minutes in your bathtub or shower. Do not run the hot water to try to clear the water. If the water remains discolored, please contact SPU’s Operations Response Center at (206) 386-1800.