Peck officials say aging hydrant is leaking; DEQ told city it "needs to be replaced as soon as possible"

City of Peck water department staff told the City Council on July 8 that the town continues to struggle with leaks in its distribution system and that a leaking hydrant at 135 Main Street requires prompt replacement. Anthony Gravenmier, who provided the Water Department update, said the Department of Environmental Quality had "suggested that the hydrant on 135 Main street needs to be replaced as soon as possible" because it "continues to leak at a high rate." Gravenmier added that the hydrant’s valve is so corroded it cannot be shut off separately.

Council questions focused on public safety around the leaking hydrant. Councilor Tammy Hassell asked whether the hydrant could be made safe for pedestrians. Staff said, as an interim measure, the city could place an orange caution cone over the hydrant to warn walkers until replacement work can be scheduled.

The water update also noted recent repairs: maintenance reported that a leak on Lulu Street has been repaired and roadwork continues as resources allow. No replacement schedule, cost estimate, or funding source for the hydrant was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Mayor Cheryl Carson and council members did not record a formal motion or vote at the July 8 meeting to authorize replacement work. The transcript indicates staff will pursue next steps and that DEQ has recommended replacement; any procurement, timeline or budget for replacing the hydrant was not specified in the record. The council is expected to address funding or contracting details in future meetings or work sessions.