City Fell Behind in Hydrant Maintenance

As you know, we recently began an investigation into fire safety in our City. We started with . Inspections of other areas have ensued as well.

As that investigation continued, it came to our attention that our 1,715 fire hydrants had not been sufficiently maintained (flushed for sediment build-up and tested for water pressure).

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Hydrants are the lifeblood of any fire department. If a hydrant doesn't operate properly, precious minutes are lost. This was the case with a recent call in town. While our Fire Department was timely in its response to the call, the main cap of the hydrant could not be opened and extra time was needed to open an alternate source of water to put out the fire.

How did we get here? In 2009, the City Council saved money by directing our Public Works staff to do the job of a previously hired third-party inspector. Because our staff was cut in other areas as well, they simply could not complete the biennial inspections.

In 2009, staff completed 315 hydrants. In 2010, only 31 were flushed and tested. In 2011, 182 were completed. The City clearly fell behind in the maintenance and testing of its hydrants. 

Our safety was put at risk and that is unacceptable. This is not how we save money.

I'll say it again: Public safety is paramount.

A plan has been developed to resolve this situation swiftly.  At our June 11 City Council meeting, we agreed to get bids for third-party inspectors. This process is being coordinated with our neighboring communities to achieve cost efficiencies. 

In the meantime, we will not allow your safety to be at risk. Since the issue arose, our firefighters have been performing inspections and tests in our most critical areas: near schools, the hospital, etc. as well as throughout various neighborhoods. They will continue inspections until we hire the third-party inspection company.

Rest assured, approximately 95 percent of our hydrants tested thus far are fine. Also know that if one hydrant fails, the firefighters are able to quickly move to the next nearest hydrant.

While the current situation is unacceptable, it will not continue. We are working to protect your public safety and move our city in a positive direction. 

Nancy Rotering
Highland Park Mayor 

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