DEKALB COUNTY, GA — The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management started a new project Monday that will assess the condition and proper operation of water valves and fire hydrants countywide.

The DeKalb County Water Valve and Fire Hydrant Inspection and Exercising Project is a part of DeKalb County's $2.4 billion Capital Improvement Program and is expected to last two years.

It will include the inspection and exercising of approximately 55,000 water valves and 20,000 fire hydrants to assess the condition and functionality of the DeKalb County water distribution system, according to a news release.

WACHS Water Services, working on behalf of DeKalb County, is the authorized contractor for the DeKalb County Water Valve and Fire Hydrant Inspection and Exercising Project.