Beacon rates fire hydrants

Crews will know flow capacities

By Maeleeke J. Lavan
Poughkeepsie Journal

BEACON -- The Beacon Fire Department soon will be better equipped to quickly determine which fire hydrants are best used in the event of a fire.

The city's water and fire departments are working together to test flow capabilities and color code hydrants throughout the city. So far, about half of the city's fire hydrants have been tested. Color coding will occur when tests are completed.

The two departments joined together last month to begin the project for regular maintenance purposes. After determining flow capabilities, a new color-coded system identifying flow capacities will be introduced.

The introduction of the color coding was prompted in part by a fatal fire in Poughkeepsie Jan. 1, 2001. Firefighters had difficulty finding hydrants with enough flow capability to fight the fire. Five people died and three homes were destroyed in the fire.

Full categorizing

Since testing started, officials have been able to determine some hydrants that need to be replaced and what areas of the city may need water main replacements.

''Things are going very well,'' Beacon Fire Chief Terry Davis said. ''We're finding a few mechanical problems but we're correcting them as we go along.''

The water department divided the city into four quadrants to organize testing. Testing in two of the four areas -- about 200 to 250 hydrants -- are complete, said James McCullom, Beacon's water superintendent.

This week, areas in the city west of Fishkill Avenue and north of Main Street will undergo testing. Residents and businesses may experience some temporary discoloration in their water.

Water flow is tested by flow gauges placed on ''up-stream'' hydrants and static gauges are placed on ''downstream'' hydrants. When hydrants are opened, gauges allow officials to read how many pounds of water pressure they are capable of.

After tests are complete, the hydrants are marked.

Complaints about testing and water discoloration have been minimal.

''It started out kind of slow,'' McCullom said of initial tests. ''But since we've gone into more intense testing, it's gone really well. Better than I and the fire department expected.''

McCullom said the tests will be completed by the end of October.

Where to call: During fire hydrant testing residents may experience discoloration in the water. Anyone who has experienced discoloration in laundry due to testing can request a product from the water department to restore clothes to their original color. For information, call (845) 831-3136.