Fire hydrant

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Decatur Fire Department will begin flushing and flow testing fire hydrants across the city next month.

The department said it will work with the Decatur Water Department to flush and test around 1,200 city fire hydrants in April. They said the process is necessary to keep the city's nearly 4,500 fire hydrants ready for use.

The testing will happen Mondays through Fridays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. throughout April. 

A map of the areas with hydrants being tested can be found here.

According to the fire department, discoloration of water may occur in areas where hydrants are being tested. The department said there are no safety or health issues associated with the discolored water, but residents should make sure water runs clear again before doing laundry since clothes can become stained.

If a stain does happen, the department said clothes should not be bleached or dried as this will set the stain permanently. Stains can be removed by rewashing the wet clothes with a rust-removing compound.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.