More than 500 fire hydrants will be inspected by the City of Chelsea’s Department of Public Works in 2026, with hydrant inspections currently underway in the city’s Prattville area this June. These inspections ensure Chelsea’s firefighters can rely on the city’s hydrants when a fire breaks out, and help maintain the community’s water quality. All hydrants located in school zones and main streets have already been inspected, and all remaining hydrants will be inspected in the same order of the City’s street sweeping schedule. This June, hydrant inspections will take place on the following streets: Jones AveAdams StWesley StClyde StExeter StBurma RdFenno StColumbus AveGarfield AveWoodlawn AveMeadow RdStafiero RdWinthrop RdEnglewood RdMadison AveSpringvale AveCook AveKimball RdGarland AveGrandview AveFremont AveHarvard StNichols StHancock StLash StFranklin StOverlea AveProspect AvePalmer StEustis StLaurel StAnnese RdWashington AveBell StLambert AveIngleside AveMurray StCheever StSagamore AveUnion StReynolds & Bassett StreetsCounty RdOrange St Residents may notice WSD crews performing several important inspection steps, including: Checking hydrants for leaks, damage, visibility, and accessibility Testing baseline water pressure and water flow Flushing hydrants to clean water mains Recording inspection dates and pressure readings Lubricating moving parts and completing minor maintenance Documenting hydrant conditions and identifying any needed repairs Confirming hydrants are fully operational and emergency-ready During and immediately after hydrant inspections, residents may notice: Temporary water discoloration Slight drops in water pressure Water appearing red, brown, or black due to iron or manganese particles being stirred up inside water mains Although discolored water is safe to drink, residents should avoid doing laundry until the water runs clear, as the discoloration may stain clothing or fabrics. If discoloration occurs: Run cold water from the faucet closest to your water meter, usually a basement sink Let the water run for 15–20 minutes or until it becomes clear If laundry becomes stained, do not dry the clothing in the dryer. If water discoloration persists, residents should contact Chelsea 3-1-1 at 617-466-4209. For water-related emergencies involving public infrastructure during nights, weekends, or holidays, residents should call 617-884-2064.