By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena Fire Departments will be conducting annual fire hydrant maintenance and testing this summer through Aug. 15 and encourage Helena residents not to be alarmed by any water discoloration that might occur.

The testing will take place Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Hydrant testing helps ensure maximum operability and is required by The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the Insurance Services Office (ISO), which helps determine homeowner insurance rates, according to a Facebook post on the city of Helena’s page.

The post continues saying that residents may notice water discoloration during and possibly a short time after the hydrant testing.

The discoloration is caused by fine amounts of sediment that naturally occur after water is flushed out of the main water lines.

The HPD ensures that the discoloration is generally not harmful, and the water will return to normal shortly after the testing.

HPD recommends running cold water for five minutes to allow all of the sediment to clear from the line if residents notice any discoloration in their water.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” read the Facebook post. “Thank you for your patience as we continue our efforts to ensure quality fire protection for the City of Helena.”