GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Some residents of Graaff-Reinet say they were alarmed this week to see water spewing from fire hydrants.

Photos and videos of water rushing from a fire hydrant in Woeke Street were posted to social media on Monday.

"I just have a problem with seeing fresh water go down the drain," one concerned resident said.

But officials from the Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality say their intention is not to waste water.

In a response to queries by the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser in this regard, Leolynn Smith, municipal communications officer, stated that the reason for opening the fire hydrants can be twofold.

"Firstly, for flushing the mains, or secondly, to relieve the hydraulic pressure in the mains so as to effect repairs, especially if there has been a burst main pipe. The release of pressure by this method is not ideal but due to ageing infrastructure, valves are not operational", commented Smith.

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