City begins annual fire hydrant testing

COLUMBIA — The Columbia Fire Department and Columbia Water and Light will begin annual fire hydrant testing on Thursday. Testing of Columbia’s 5,000 hydrants will continue through May and June.

While testing is in progress, residents should look out for:

— Large amounts of water that may be released into the roadway

— Firefighters working close to roads

— Tap water that may become brownish due to sediment in the pipes. If this happens, run the water until it becomes clear.

If water color does not return to normal, or other problems occur, contact Columbia Water and Light at 874-6229 during regular business hours, or at 875-2555 after 5 p.m. and on weekends and holidays.