NATCHEZ — Some city water customers may find their water a little less than sparkling clean over the next few weeks, but officials say the water is safe to drink.

The Natchez Fire Department is flushing and testing city fire hydrants through the end of the month. Natchez Fire Chief Oliver Stewart said the state fire marshal requires the city fire department to flush fire hydrants.

The department is checking more than 600 hydrants in the city to ensure none of them are “dry hydrants,” Stewart said.

Natchez City Engineer and Water Works Superintendant David Gardner said the water is still safe to drink throughout the testing process.

“It changes the color of the water sometimes, so although it doesn’t look like it, it is safe to drink,” Gardner said.

NFD was checking hydrants in the downtown area Wednesday, so those residents may experience murky water.

Testing will continue through the end of the month, Stewart said, and firefighters will determine where they are testing at the beginning of each day.