Concerned residents phoned the Highvelder about several fire hydrants in town spewing clean drinking water on 22 March.

The Highvelder contacted the Msukaligwa Municipality’s spokesman, Mr Mandla Zwane for comment. 

He said it was caused by a burst pipe.

“After technicians fixed the burst pipe they opened the fire hydrants to blow out the air inside the pipes to flush out any muddy water,” Mr Zwane said.

Fire hydrants are connected to the drinking water distribution system which means that the water that comes out of the hydrants that is used to fight fires is the same treated water that comes out of your faucet at home.

Cities and towns alike have a complex systems of water pipes that deliver water to the consumers.

This system requires regular monitoring to ensure the safety of all who consume the water and sometimes involves hydrant flushing as a means to remove contaminants.

The process includes releasing water from drinking water pipes and flushing it out of the system.

The Highvelder also spoke to a source within the municipality that stated that this occurrence is noticeable when there are burst pipes which the municipality works on.

“In order to regulate the pressure within the system, flushing of the hydrants are also sometimes an option,” the source stated.