Summer brings more than sunshine and outdoor events. It also puts extra stress on city infrastructure. From higher water demand to heat-damaged roads, warm weather can quickly expose weak points in your system.

That’s why it’s smart to review your infrastructure before summer begins. A few early actions can help you avoid costly failures, service disruptions, or safety risks when temperatures soar.

This article walks through a simple, practical checklist for city managers to prepare their systems for summer—step by step.

1. Inspect and Exercise Fire Hydrants

Wildfires, brush fires, and structure fires tend to increase in summer. You need to be sure your hydrants are ready.

Start by:

• Checking for visible damage or leaks

• Making sure hydrants are accessible (no overgrown brush or debris)

• Exercising hydrants to ensure they turn properly and have full flow

• Repainting if visibility or corrosion is a concern

Hydrants should be tested and flushed regularly. Summer is a great time to confirm they’ll work when you need them most.

2. Review Water System Capacity

People use more water in the summer—for irrigation, pools, cooling, and more. So your system needs to handle that demand.

Review:

• Pump performance and pressure levels

• Tank levels and replenishment times

• Areas prone to low pressure or slow refill rates

• SCADA system alerts for early warning signs

If your system struggled last year, now’s the time to make changes—before peak use begins.

3. Check Stormwater Drains and Inlets

Summer thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, especially if storm drains are clogged.

Clear all debris from:

• Inlets near parks and trails

• Drains in low-lying or flood-prone areas

• Culverts under roads or bridges

• Grates near construction zones

Also inspect for any signs of erosion or blockages. It’s much easier to clean and repair these now than during a summer downpour.

4. Inspect Asphalt and Pavement Conditions

High heat can damage road surfaces. Cracks expand, potholes get worse, and soft spots can lead to failures.

Look for:

• Cracking, rutting, or softening in high-traffic areas

• Faded striping that may need repainting

• Sidewalk lifting or trip hazards due to expanding concrete

• Streets that may need sealcoating to prevent further wear

Consider doing minor surface work before summer, especially on roads with upcoming events or tourism.

5. Service HVAC and Cooling in City Buildings

Don’t forget city hall, public libraries, and other facilities. These need reliable cooling during hot months—for both staff and public safety.

Before summer starts:

• Test HVAC systems in each facility

• Clean filters and vents

• Check backup power for critical buildings

• Inspect thermostats and temperature controls

Also look at community centers or designated cooling shelters. These should be in top shape before heat advisories hit.

6. Prep Public Pools, Fountains, and Splash Pads

Water features bring joy—but they also require maintenance. Before opening them to the public:

• Inspect pumps, valves, and plumbing

• Test for water leaks or drainage issues

• Check chemical treatment systems

• Review safety signage and fencing

You may also want to set up a quick inspection calendar for mid-summer. Preventive care keeps systems running smoothly through the season.

7. Update Emergency Preparedness Plans

Summer can bring more than heat—it can bring wildfires, power outages, or even drought conditions.

Take time now to:

• Review your city’s emergency response plans

• Update contact lists and backup systems

• Confirm mutual aid agreements or vendor contracts

• Communicate plans to department heads and public information officers

Preparedness helps reduce panic when something goes wrong—and it builds trust with residents.

8. Monitor Tree Canopies and Vegetation Near Infrastructure

Trees and overgrown brush may interfere with power lines, sidewalks, hydrants, and road signs.

Work with your public works or parks department to:

• Trim trees near utility lines

• Cut back vegetation from walkways and hydrants

• Remove dead or weakened trees before storms hit

This also helps reduce fire risk and keeps your city looking well-maintained.

9. Test Backup Generators and Pump Stations

If your city uses electric pumps, traffic lights, or other powered infrastructure, you need a backup plan in case of blackouts.

Test generators and critical pump stations to:

• Confirm automatic start-up

• Check fuel levels and battery health

• Review maintenance logs for any skipped service

• Train staff on manual startup and shutdown procedures

These systems often get overlooked—until they’re needed in a crisis.

10. Communicate with Residents

Finally, don’t keep your summer prep behind the scenes. Use your website, social media, and newsletters to:

• Let residents know what’s being inspected or repaired

• Share tips for conserving water and avoiding flooding

• Provide updates on pool or splash pad openings

• Encourage reporting of blocked drains or broken hydrants

When residents see what you’re doing, they’re more likely to cooperate and stay engaged.

A Few Hours Now Can Save Days Later

Summer is one of the busiest—and most vulnerable—times of the year for city infrastructure. But with a clear checklist and a bit of early action, city managers can avoid many common headaches.

You don’t need to overhaul everything. Just start with the basics:

✅ Keep water flowing
✅ Keep roads safe
✅ Keep your team ready

Now is the time to start assessing infrastructure, mapping assets, and creating a custom maintenance plan!