Suez Toms River starts Spring hydrant testing Monday

Sure signs of spring - robins return, buds sprout, ballplayers limber up...and Suez Toms River Operations crews begin testing fire hydrants and flushing water mains throughout its service areas in Toms River, South Toms River and the Holiday City sections of Berkeley Township.

From March 7 until about May 27, you might find water pressure low when you open the tap, or you might find it cloudy. Water company officials say it isn't harmful. They running the cold tap for a few minutes until new water enters the pipes.

According to Suez Director of Operations Jim Mastrokalos, the biannual ritual, every spring and fall, uses "...a high-veolcity flow of water in the opposite direction of the natural flow to keep the water mains clean and fresh." Think of it as liquid scrubbing in an effort to keep potable quality high.

If crews are working the streets near your home or office, the company recommends avoiding using the taps, washing machines and dishwashers until they're done, and to fill containers and store them in the fridge ahead of time for cooking and drinking.

And, of course, if you're driving past a site, give the guys some room.

See more information about the schedule at the Suez website and Facebook page, and stay updated with tweets on their Twitter site. The toll-free Suez customer service line is 877-565-1456.