TOPPENISH — The Toppenish Fire Department has announced it will be conducting evening tests on all city fire hydrants over the next three weeks.
Firefighters will be out between the hours of 9-12 p.m. flushing the hydrants. 
The flushing will remove sand and mineral sediments that naturally collect in the water system. 
The sand and sediment can cause major damage to fire pumps if not removed, Fire Chief Tim Smithy said.
He said residents may notice a very slight change in the color in their drinking water but should not be alarmed as the water is still safe to drink. 
Simply running the faucet a few extra minutes should clear the water, he said. 
If the water is still discolored after several minutes of running the faucet, the resident should contact the Public Works Department for assistance. 
Smith said the water system is chlorinated and tested regularly for contaminants.
Smith also reminded residents that they are required to maintain four feet of clearance around any fire hydrant on their property.
All brush, trees, flowers, and fences must be kept at least four feet away from all fire hydrants.