WATERVILLE — Waterville Fire Department will resume annual testing of fire hydrants. The purpose of testing is to assure the Kennebec Water District’s water distribution system provides adequate water supply at various locations for its fire suppression operations, according to a Waterville Fire Department press release. Testing is required by Insurance Services Organization, an organization that determines fire insurance rates, and the National Fire Protection Association Standard 291, recommended practice for fire flow testing of fire hydrants.

The Department flow tests approximately 20 percent of more than 300 fire hydrants.

Testing typically takes place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This year, testing is scheduled to start July 9. The schedule is as follows:

Week 1: July 9, Front, Hathaway, Appleton, Leighton, Temple, Elm, Park and Winter streets and The Concourse

Week 2: July 16, Percival Court, Spring, Silver, Water, Green, Kennebec and Bridge streets.

Week 3: July 23, Elm, School, Pleasant, Winter and Center streets; Western Ave., Sheldon Place.

Week 4: July 30, Pleasant, Main, Center, North, Middle, Carrol and Burleigh streets; Pleasant Place, Morrill Avenue., and Sunset Terrace.

Week 5: Aug. 6, Gilman, Burleigh, West, Dalton, Nudd, Lawrence, Nash, South and Winter streets; Western Avenue.

Week 6: Aug. 13, Merrill, Noyes, Squire streets; Pray, Glen and Highland avenues, Averill Terrace and Brescia courts.

Week 7: Aug. 20, Mayflower Hill and Oak Knoll drives; 1st Rangeway; Western and Mt. Merici avenues; Charland Terrace; Broad and Edgewood streets.

Week 8: Aug. 27, Chase and Martin avenues; Lincoln, Washington and Ursula streets; Seton Hospital.

Week 9: Sept. 3, Elm, Park, Pleasant, School and Lincoln streets; Averill Terrace; Brescia Court; Thomas College.

The Fire Department will try to minimize any negative impact on the water distribution system. It is normal for water discoloration to occur. Its advised that homeowners in the affected area refrain from doing laundry, or use dishwashers during the testing period. Any prolonged discoloration should be reported to the Kennebec Water District at 872-2763.