Hydrant testing continues in Hickory

The City of Hickory’s annual hydrant inspection and maintenance program is underway throughout the Hickory service area and will continue through the end of May.

During this process, Hickory firefighters test all hydrants in the Hickory service area for functionality and verify each hydrant is ready for usage in the event of a fire. This proactive approach ensures that hydrants are in working condition, which plays an important role in upholding the City's current ISO Class 1 fire insurance rating. This rating is the highest rating possible and ranks Hickory Fire Department among the nation’s best, as less than 1% of fire departments achieve this distinction.

Sometimes this hydrant testing causes brief, localized water discoloration. If this should occur, refrain from using hot water and call 828-323-7427 to have the Public Utilities Department flush the main line. After the main line is cleared of discoloration, turn on an outside spigot to clear up the water inside your home or business.

To be notified when hydrants will be flowed in your area, please sign up to receive CodeRED Alerts through Catawba County’s Community Alert Program.

With about 2,700 hydrants located throughout the Hickory service area, this annual process takes several months to complete and typically takes place in April and May. Although checking these hydrants will mainly occur on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., firefighters may occasionally have to make various checks during weekends and after hours when it is impractical or not feasible to do so during the weekday.

For additional information or questions, please contact Hickory Public Utilities at 828-323-7427 and/or Battalion Chief Jeff Hoyle at 828-323-7420.