Fire Hydrant Maintenance and Flow Testing
Public Service Announcement

The Gallup Fire Department conducts annual fire hydrant testing and maintenance each year during the June and July Months. The program is important to allow the fire department to further its commitment of life safety and property conservation for the citizens of Gallup. By identifying the amount of water available for firefighting purposes and to ensure that available hydrants are working in the event of an emergency.

Fire hydrant testing and maintenance includes:
1. Ensuring the hydrants opens and closes freely;
2. Hydrant drain system works properly;
3. Hydrant caps are working properly and are free of rust and lubricated if needed;
4. No leaks from the bonnet, stem, inserts or drain system;
5. Grass, brush and weeds are cut from around the hydrant to maintain working clearance and visibility.

The maintenance program is performed by the Gallup Fire Department who works in conjunction with the City Utilities. Any deficiencies found with a hydrant are addressed by the City Water Department for repair. If a hydrant is found to not be working, the Gallup Fire Department, marks the hydrant with a black ring to show it is not functioning and ensures additional hydrants are available in the area for immediate use in the event of an emergency. A plan is put in place for fire coverage around the non-functioning hydrant to ensure that no time is lost in locating alternative water sources once on scene.

Currently the Gallup fire department is conducting its fire hydrant testing and maintenance. The testing may cause sediment in the water supply system to break loose and cause slight discoloration of the water. Customers who experience any discolored water are encouraged to turn on a cold-water faucet outside of the house and let the water run for 5 to 10 minutes. This will normally clear up the agitated water from the service line to the home. It is recommended to check that both the hot and cold laundry water is clear before washing clothes. A slight decline in water quality is common immediately after fire hydrant testing has occurred. If water quality does not improve or further problems occur, contact the City of Gallup Water Department by calling the utility dispatcher at 863-1200.

Testing is expected to take place Monday thru Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and be completed by July 31, 2016. For more information, please contact the Gallup Fire Department at 726-5448.

For more information, contact:
Jesus Morales, Fire Marshal
(505) 726-5448
JMorales@GallupNm.Gov

Jacob LaCroix, Fire Inspector
(505) 726-5448
JLaCroix@GallupNm.Gov