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Faulty hydrants in Jackson, MS
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High volume fire hydrant in Hong Kong, China. Photo: author
A local media station in Jackson, MS recently reported on a series of faulty hydrants in the city. This comes on the heels of a house fire that ended in a total loss of the home after Jackson fire fighters needed to go to three different fire hydrants to find one with water.
WAPT received the City’s list of faulty hydrants under a Freedom of Information request. Their investigation revealed that of the 6,330 hydrants, 288 were faulty.
Director of Public Works Thelman Boyd stated they have repaired those hydrants that were considered “dry” or inoperable. After these repairs, 252 were still listed by the Jackson Fire Department, who checks the hydrants every year as needing repair.
What is not highlighted in this story is the impact of municipal budgets on public safety. On average, a simple hydrant replacement runs about $1,400. Take that number times 288 hydrants and you have a bill of over $400,000.
When most government agencies are trying to control costs and hold the line on taxes, this is where the cost savings are made. In budget terms, it called “deferral,” or putting off the maintenance.
In the case of Jackson, MS, those repairs deemed critical are made. Those other hydrants that could or should be replaced are simply nudged along to make it another budget cycle. Almost all municipal water systems are operated in the same manner.
As the federal government is working to disperse the remaining Stimulus funding for infrastructure, all residents should be contacting their elected officials and demanding that water systems that need repair or replacement be properly submitted for funding.
The benefits are multiple:
--Local safety improves
--Public water quality will improve
--Needed infrastructure work will be conducted
--Local jobs will be created
--Existing design shortcomings can be corrected
--The chance your home will be ravaged by fire without a functioning fire hydrant is reduced
Whether in Jackson, MS, or any other community that has fire hydrants, make sure the lifeline fire fighters rely on to fight fires is there for them and for you. Community involvement is more than simply complaining about the size of the tax bill. It requires the citizens direct their elected officials to ensure public safety is maintained above other projects. Potholes are hated, but a home that burns to the ground because of misplaced spending priorities is inexcusable. Make sure you help your local representatives prioritize the municipal funds. Help your fire fighters protect you. Keep public safety as the number one priority. Lives depend on it.
Thanks for reading and stay fire safe.
For more info: WAPT story
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