A state official said 40 percent of Mexicali’s hydrants are vandalized and some of them are repaired with parts made by staff.
Mexicali’s Public Utilities Commission General Manager Francisco Paredes asked residents to take care of hydrants after a recent fire went beyond control due to the lack of water given the artifacts were unusable.
Besides property damage, the city can also lose jobs due to the lack of hydrants, he said.
The city has over 5,000 hydrants that under good conditions no losses could be reported.
The agency follows-up the current conditions of hydrants under an inspection and maintenance program to make sure water is available in case needed.
Mexicali Fire Department staff also inspects the artifacts, but installing stolen parts has been well above authorities’ control, he said.
“It is impossible to remain vigilant of every hydrant 24 hours a day,” Paredes said.
The general manager asked residents to report any vandalism at 9-1-1 or the agency’s hotline 0-7-3.
