The deficient hydrants were in the older areas of the city in the mill villages, Chief Gary Corbet said. They are located between Fifth and First streets.
The Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District was informed of the problems and will repair them once some of their equipment is repaired.
Until the hydrants are repaired, Corbet has requested Halifax Central send tankers from the Davie and Gaston volunteer fire departments to any structure fire in those areas, from Roanoke Avenue west and the areas between Fifth Street and First Street. That will give Roanoke Rapids 3,000 gallons of water if needed.
Corbet said the problems with the lines in the Mill Village come from old mains that are between 80 to 100 years old. The lines are small and being galvanized they rust and collect sediment.
The avenue, Corbet said, is fine. “They have 20-inch mains.”
The fire department completed the hydrant testing and flushing in the middle of July. Besides testing the pressure, firefighters also performed simple maintenance on the hydrants such as lubing them so they open easily.
The flushing also gets firefighters familiar with different parts of the city and helps them locate hydrants.
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