Yakima officials to begin testing fire hydrants Friday

YAKIMA -- The city of Yakima is testing and repainting fire hydrants and officials say cutting back vegetation from around hydrants would be greatly appreciated.

Discolored tap water may be noticeable in neighborhoods where testing is under way but should clear quickly, city officials said.

The testing will begin Friday in the Gleed area west of 32nd Avenue and will continue across the city throughout the spring and summer with localized advance warnings.

Cutting back vegetation within three feet of hydrants on private property not only speeds up the repainting program but also helps the fire department.

Questions about the program should be directed to the city's water quality specialist at 509-576-6477 or 509-575-6177.