The slow drip, drip of change

The fire hydrant near 48 South Border Road in Medford has been leaking for at least three years.

GlobeWatch tipster and South Border Road resident Michael Sheehan wants to know when it's going to be taken care of.

''The Fire Department said it freezes in the winter and if there is a fire it wouldn't work," Sheehan said. ''It needs to be replaced."

Sheehan said he has spoken to the Fire Department, Water and Sewer Department, and mayor's office without satisfaction.

''What's it going to take to get this dealt with?" he said.

The Water and Sewer Department responds

Davis Proctor, superintendent of the department, acknowledged the hydrant on South Border is leaking and it could freeze in the winter. The problem Medford has is that of the approximately 2,000 hydrants in the city, many are 60, 70, or even 80 years old and replacement parts are no longer possible to find. As a result, when a hydrant starts leaking the entire unit needs to be replaced.

Fortunately, Proctor said, a new contract for fire hydrant maintenance was just awarded. The contract calls for 25 new hydrants. First on the list, 48 South Border Road, Proctor said.

''I told him I would have it replaced before the winter," Proctor said. ''Now I can tell him it will be done by the end of August."

DOUGLAS BELKIN

WHO'S REPONSIBLE

David Proctor, superintendent

Water and Sewer Department

781-393-2502