Testing May Cause Temporary Water Discoloration
Cambridge, MA -- Cambridge Fire and Water departments will be conducting annual fire hydrant maintenance and testing weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., from May 1 through June 23, 2023.
This process helps ensure maximum hydrant operability & proper water flows for firefighting. Annual hydrant testing is also a factor in our national Class 1 fire protection rating.
Testing may disturb sediment that naturally occurs in the water piping system and may cause discoloration of water from faucets and toilets for several hours after testing. Discolored water does not usually present a health hazard, though concerned residents should avoid drinking it. Check your water before doing laundry as the discolored water may stain clothes. If this occurs,
the City of Cambridge Water Department can provide a wash additive to remove stains.
Please see the schedule below for general testing dates by neighborhood. Addtionally, you can call the Cambridge Fire Department at 617-349-4921 between 8-8:45 a.m. for daily test locations.
The planned schedule for 2023 is as follows:
Engine 1 (Harvard Square) & Engine 2 (Lafayette Square) May 1 - May 12
Engine 6 (River Street) & Engine 4 (North Cambridge) May 15 – May 26
Engine 5 (Inman Square) & Engine 9 (West Cambridge) May 30 – June 9
Engine 3 (East Cambridge) & Engine 8 (Taylor Square) June 12 – June 23
View Fire Hydrant Inspection Districts.
Testing schedule may change due to ongoing emergency response activity. Also, Saturday testing may occur in commercial areas.
For questions on water quality, call the Cambridge Water Department at 617-349-4780. To report discolored water, call the Water Department at 617-349-4770.
