What is typically tested every 5 years in utilities maintenance?

The correct focus is on chlorine cylinders; they are typically tested every five years to ensure that they are functioning properly and safely for public use. This testing is crucial because chlorine is a key chemical used in water treatment processes to disinfect water, and any malfunction or failure of chlorination equipment can have significant consequences for public health. Regular testing helps ensure that the cylinders are not leaking and that they can handle the pressures involved during their operation.

The other choices, while also essential components of utilities maintenance, typically do not have the same five-year testing standard. Water meters are usually tested or calibrated more frequently to ensure accurate billing rates. Fire hydrants are often inspected and tested for operation functionality on a more regular basis, commonly annually or bi-annually, to ensure they are ready for emergency use. Pressure gauges are typically checked and calibrated as part of routine maintenance schedules rather than on a fixed five-year cycle. The specificity of five-year testing for chlorine cylinders highlights the critical nature of ensuring safety and efficacy in water treatment processes.