The Aurora Fire Department will begin conducting its annual citywide fire hydrant flow testing on Monday, May 1, 2017.

The testing, which will be conducted during weekday mornings in May and June, is done to assure the hydrants operate properly in the event of an emergency. Testing is done in the mornings during the spring months because any problems can be addressed quickly by City staff and there is less demand on Aurora's water system compared to the later summer months.

WATER IS SAFE
If discoloration appears, residents can be assured the water is safe to drink but they should run faucets for 30 seconds or longer until the water color returns to normal.

AVOID WASHING CLOTHES DURING TESTING HOURS
Since the testing may produce rusty water, residents should avoid washing their clothes between 8 a.m. and noon Monday through Thursday in May and June.

Laundry stained by rusty water should not be dried. The Aurora Fire Department offers bottles of Liquid Poly, a chemical treatment that safely removes these stains. Appointments can be made to pick up a free bottle at the following locations:

• Central Fire Station | 75 N. Broadway Ave. | 630-256-4000

• Fire Station No. 3 | 600 W. Indian Trail Road | 630-256-4030

• Fire Station No. 5 | 730 Hill Ave. | 630-256-4050

• Aurora Water Treatment Plant | 1110 Aurora Ave. | 630-256-3250

Firm dates and testing locations cannot be provided in advance to the public due to the unknown number of emergency calls firefighters have to respond to on a daily basis. However, the Aurora Fire Department does notify Aurora's Customer Service Center by 9 a.m. on general locations that may be tested that day. Contact the Customer Service Center at 630-256-INFO for information.