Moultrie residents may experience discolored water starting Monday

MOULTRIE, Ga. – Beginning Feb. 24, residents and business owners may experience changes in water pressure and some discoloration. These temporary changes are a result of fire hydrant inspections.

The Moultrie Fire Department will be inspecting fire hydrants throughout the city. The process involves removing all caps and lubricating the threads as well as flowing water to ensure each hydrant is operating properly.

Removing cap for inspection

The inspections will begin in the Northwest community first. Southwest, Southeast, and Northeast communities will follow. 

This annual testing is essential to maintain or improve the community’s Class 3 Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification, and to ensure that hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes.

Moultrie Fire Chief Jeff Thibodeau

Fire Chief Jeff Thibodeau says the department is “aggressively working towards,” improving the city’s ISO score which he says will “save most of the citizens of Moultrie on their homeowners insurance.”

To help move the process along, property owners are asked to clear weeds and brush from blocked hydrants to aid in their easy identification and access. The fire code requires at least 36 inches of clear area around the hydrant for proper access, which helps assure the hydrant is visible from the road.

The discoloration of water will not harm an individual, although it may stain light-colored clothing. 

If you experience discolored water, run your faucets until you have clean water. Do not run your hot water, and do not do laundry until your water is clear.

If you have any questions, or should you, at any time, notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the Moultrie Fire Department at 229-985-1805. If you have questions about the discolored water, please contact the City of Moultrie Utilities by calling 668-6000.