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Commission approves purchase of five replacement hydrants as city phases out 'weep-hole' models
Summary
The commission approved buying five Sault Ste. Marie–specification hydrants from Core & Main at $4,020.32 each to help replace obsolete 'weep-hole' hydrants the state will require removed by 2030; funding is available and no budget amendment was needed.
The Sault Ste. Marie City Commission approved June 1 the purchase of five fire hydrants from Core & Main at last year’s pricing of $4,020.32 per hydrant to replace obsolete “weep‑hole” hydrants in the city’s system.
Water Director Kirk Duis explained that weep‑hole hydrants have a drain at the bottom designed for freeze climates but that state rules now require removal because of groundwater-contamination and cross-connection concerns. Duis said the city had 53 such hydrants when he arrived in 2020 and is down to about 25; he said the city must complete replacements by 2030 to avoid state enforcement.
Duis described leftover, city‑specification hydrants from the Peckham Meridian project that Core & Main offered at last year’s price; the city verified pricing with other vendors before recommending purchase. He told commissioners Riverside Drive work will replace 13 hydrants this year and that shipping savings reduced the effective cost. Funding was available for the purchase, so councilors were not asked to approve a budget amendment.
Commissioner Talentino moved to buy the five hydrants at the quoted price; the motion received support and passed unanimously.
The approved purchase secures equipment needed for ongoing replacement of older hydrants; water staff said additional hydrant replacements are scheduled or will be bid as part of capital and street projects.
