The Joliet Fire Department will begin the first phase of its annual hydrant testing May 2, according to a city news release.
The testing program will be conducted Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The hydrant testing will continue for approximately six weeks, depending on the weather.
During Phase 1, testing will take place in the areas near Station No. 4, 868 Draper Ave.; Station No. 5, 661 Mason Ave.; and Station No. 8, 2293 Essington Road.
Testing near Station No. 4 will include the geographical area bounded by Woodruff Road to the north, Gougar Road to the east, Cass Street to the south and Collins Street to the west. Station No. 5 testing will include the geographical area bounded by Theodore Street to the north, the DesPlaines River to the east, Interstate 80 to the south and Larkin Avenue to the west.
Testing near Station No. 8 will include the geographical area bounded by West Renwick Road to the north, Infantry Drive to the east, Black Road to the south and Bronk Road to the west.
The city said the fire department will take precautions to reduce the impact of possible rusty water, and the city added that it will provide a chemical that removes rust from clothes in a washing machine. However, officials cautioned that affected clothes must not be dried until they have been properly run through a rinse cycle that includes this chemical.
The chemical will be available at any Joliet Fire Station, free of charge.
For those without transportation, call the city of Joliet Water Department at 815-724-4220 or the Joliet Fire Department at 815-724-3500.