March 29, 2026 – Decatur Fire Department crews, in collaboration with the Decatur Water Department, will be flushing and flow testing approximately 1,200 city fire hydrants during the month of April. This process is necessary to keep the city’s nearly 4,500 fire hydrants ready for use.
The testing will occur Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. throughout April. Fire crews will be checking for operational deficiencies, lubricating discharge outlets, and recording flow data, which provides essential information for calculating the water available to support fire suppression tactics.
A map of the areas with hydrants being tested can be found at www.decaturil.gov/299/Maps.
Temporary discoloration of water may occur in areas where hydrants are being tested. There are no safety or health issues associated with the discolored water, but residents should ensure water runs clear again before doing laundry as clothing can become stained. If a stain occurs, clothing should not be bleached or dried as this will set the stain permanently. Stains may be removed by rewashing the wet clothing with a rust-removing compound.
