M&H TEAM HELPS HOBSON CITY MAKE REPAIRS

On an early morning in Hobson City, Alabama, the rain flooded down and the gutters ran full.  With such a downpour, you wouldnt think that the tiny town between Anniston and Oxford could have problems with its water supply.  But despite the fat droplets falling on their heads, volunteers from nearby M&H Valve and community leaders gathered to remedy a difficult waterworks situation.

Eric Stringer, a member of the McWane Advisory Council (MAC) who was raised in Hobson City, initially contacted the company.  "We have some serious issues over here, and we need all the help we can get," he says.  "The town is being charged $35,000 a year for water that no one is bathing in or drinking.  People who are too poor to afford water end up paying twice as much.  But this is not just a Hobson City problem.  Water is precious.  It affects everyone."

Out-of-date fire hydrants are largely the culprit of the water waste.  "Our last report showed that we were losing 49 percent," says Hobson City Mayor Alberta McCrory.  "Thats down from 86 percent due to past repairs on pipes and the installation of isolation valves throughout the town.  We hope the repair of these hydrants will further reduce the loss. Most communities have a loss of 9 to 10 percent, and that is our goal."

Mike Maziur from M&H Valve coordinated the effort, but soon after McWane team members began working unruly weather forced them to halt their endeavor.  The crew:  Mark Guest, Jared Poweski, Frank Musich, Pete Auffant, and Kirul Patel; returned several days later to complete the task.  Pictured above from left to right/ front row:  Noah Holt, Frank Musich, Mike Maziur (from M&H), and Mayor Alberta McCrory.  Pictured right to left/back row:  Pete Auffant, Jared Poweski, Mark Guest (from M&H), and two Hobson City employees

The first hydrant repaired was the oldest, a Model 29 non-traffic style hydrant manufactured in 1962. "We left the hydrant mechanically fully functional," says Mark Guest, "and we are confident it will not leak when water is restored to the hydrant."

The other hydrants, while not leaking, were complicated to operate and shut off adequately.  For one Model 129 traffic style hydrant manufactured in the 80s, the problem was in the bonnet and/or upper stem.  "The hydrant was reassembled using a new bonnet assembly and was flow tested," says Mark Guest.  "It operated smoothly and sealed off completely."

Hobson City employees carefully observed the process, gaining experience on how to take apart and put together the fire hydrants so they will be able to make future repairs.  "We are appreciative of the assistance we are getting from one of our partners in the community," says Mayor McCrory.  "We are looking forward to a reduction in water loss.  People are saying, Im glad to see something getting done.  This is something we need."

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