Columbus City Utilities announced M. E. Simpson will be flushing hydrants in different areas of the city for a three-week period starting Monday as part of its annual hydrant flow testing program.

MANSFIELD – The Mansfield Fire Department will begin the fire hydrant flow testing and flushing program, and it will continue throughout the summer until all hydrants have been tested and flowed.

American Water will be performing annual hydrant flow testing and inspection in Areas A and B, including Prairies and Woods Housing, during the period of Oct. 17 through Nov. 22.

The hydrant testing process will begin at 6 a.m. Hydrant flushing is necessary to test the hydrants to ensure adequate water flow and pressure are available.

Regular flow testing — or the lack of it — also affects a fire department’s insurance rating, O’Donnell said. More frequent flow tests lead to better ratings, he said. Another factor affecting ratings ...