Fire Hydrant Testing Begins Monday

The City of Athens will begin a comprehensive hydrant flow testing program on Monday, May 12, inspecting all 690 fire hydrants across the city over the next six months.

Utility Director Randy Williams explained that this process is necessary to ensure hydrants are functioning properly and to meet insurance standards that affect fire protection ratings and insurance costs for residents.

What to Expect

During flow testing, crews will open fire hydrants to measure water pressure and flow. The increased velocity of water moving through cast iron pipelines during the test may cause temporary discoloration of tap water. Residents might notice red or brown water during this period. However, Williams assured that crews will continue flushing the system until the water runs clear, ensuring that any iron sediment is fully removed.

To minimize widespread disruptions, the City will implement directional flushing, which involves strategically opening and closing valves to direct water flow in a controlled manner. This method increases the speed at which sediment is flushed out and prevents unnecessary water movement through other parts of the system.

“As part of the testing, people will see aggressive flushing and water running in the streets,” Williams said. “It’s all part of the process.”

Key Takeaways for Residents

• Hydrant testing will take place citywide over the next six months.
• Residents may experience temporary water discoloration that will clear up as the flushing process continues.
• Directional flushing will help minimize disruptions.
• Expect to see water running in the streets as part of the testing process.

Further updates will be provided as the project moves forward. Residents with concerns about water quality during testing can contact the City's utility department at 903-677-6615 for more information.

As the City of Athens continues to grow, city officials are taking steps to address one of the most important issues facing our community: housing.

The City is currently conducting an online housing survey to better understand what kinds of homes people need and want in Athens. Residents are encouraged to participate and share their input, which will help guide future planning and development decisions. The survey is available in both English and Spanish and will remain open through Friday, May 16, at 3 p.m.

“We want to hear directly from the people who live and work here,” said City Manager Elizabeth Borstad. “Their input will help shape future development that strengthens our workforce and our neighborhoods.”

Major infrastructure projects currently underway in Athens include:

* Lucas/Clinton Water Main: This project includes replacing 640 linear feet of 6-inch cast iron water main on West Clinton Drive, from South Prairieville Street to Highway 19 South, with an 8-inch C900 PVC water main. It also upgrades 539 linear feet of 2-inch galvanized steel pipe on Lucas Drive, from East Clinton to Richardson Street, to an 8-inch C900 PVC water main. The contractor is expected to be working in 100 block of W. Clinton Ave. next week, weather permitting. A lane closure is expected on Lucas Drive from May 12 through May 16.

* Fire Hydrant Testing: The City of Athens will be conducting a comprehensive hydrant flow testing program, inspecting all 690 fire hydrants across the city over the next six months. During flow testing, crews will open fire hydrants to measure water pressure and flow. This can stir up sediment that has settled in the pipelines, potentially causing temporary discoloration of tap water. Residents may notice red or brown water during testing, but Williams assured that while it may look unappealing, it is not harmful. Crews will continue the flushing process until the discolored water is cleared from the system.

* SH 31 Roadwork: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has started improvements on Business Highway 31 in Athens. Nighttime milling operations have begun. Motorists should expect lane closures. The work will take place between Business 19 at the Square and Loop 7. The project includes removal of current surface, base repairs, resurfacing, striping, and signage. Traffic should use caution when traveling through the work zone at night and expect pavement striping operations during the day.

* Flood Mitigation Drainage Study: Survey crews are working on the west side of Athens, primarily in wooded areas along and near Loop 7, from just south of the East Texas Arboretum to the area southwest of the SH 31/Loop 7 interchange. This study is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to assess flood risks and improve drainage infrastructure. The work is non-intrusive and will not involve construction or utility disruptions. 

* North Pinkerton Sewer Main: Diesel Utilities is performing underground utility work as part of the ongoing N. Pinkerton Sewer Main project. The project involves replacing approximately 4,350 linear feet of existing clay pipe with a 12-inch SDR 26 PVC sewer main from Williams Street north to the North Pinkerton Wastewater Treatment Plant. The upgrade increases the capacity of the sewer system and allows the City to abandon a secondary pipeline that runs through a densely wooded area.

* Atmos Energy Gas Line Replacement: Atmos Energy’s subcontractor, Ironhorse, is replacing gas lines on the north side of town. Crews are working in the public right-of-way and performing excavation up to individual gas meters.

* Brightspeed Fiber Installation: Brightspeed crews are continuing work to expand high-speed fiber Internet access throughout Athens. This installation involves underground directional boring, which reduces surface disruption while placing fiber lines in utility easements and public rights-of-way. The company is responsible for restoring any disturbed areas within 24–48 hours following construction. This project is part of a larger broadband expansion in Henderson County, supported by $2.3 million in state grant funding. 

* SH 19 Sidwalk Installation: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is making progress on a $2.6 million project to improve sidewalks along Business 19, from Ben Belt Drive to the ramps at South Loop 7. Contractor 3LW Civil, LLC is currently pouring concrete for sidewalks and driveways. The work is expected to be completed by summer 2025. Drivers should anticipate lane closures while construction is underway.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as these important improvements move forward. If you have any questions about these projects, please call our Development Services Center at 903-677-6615.

Community Development Manager Donna Meredith, left, presents a check Monday to Kevin Jackson, owner of Milo Insulation of East Texas. The Athens-based company specializes in insulation products and will use the funds to purchase and install machinery at its Flat Creek Road facility. The loan and performance agreement through the Athens Economic Development Corporation is designed to support local manufacturing and job creation.