TYLER, Texas — When it seemed water was coming up from below his fire hydrant, Tyler resident John Burnley was unsure of who to call.
It all started back in January after the fire hydrant was flushed, then the water started coming up.
"It was coming from beneath the ground where the fire hydrant was and it was just a constant flow," Burnley explained being concerned about water waste.
When he was able to figure out whose responsibility it was, he started making phone calls.
"From January 16 to January 24 to February 6, and March 4, was the last time I called (the city)," Burnley said. "And I kept getting run around, 'oh, we're working on it, we're working on it.' Nothing, and the last time I talked to, they said it was going to be replaced in two to three weeks."
That was two and a half months ago.
Burnley says every time he called, the city would come out and examine the hydrant, but never really saw them do any work until the last time.
"And they went down, they shut a valve off down there. That stopped the leak," Burnley said.
It actually stopped all water to the hydrant. That changed Burnley's concern from water waste to an emergency.
"Well, if anybody in this neighborhood has a fire, that fire hydrant is not going to work at all," Burnley said.
Another concern, it was not marked out of order.
"I don't know why there was not a white cap on it but it is part of the standard procedure that we have that a white cap is on it," Dr. Jimmy Johnson Director of Utilities said.
CBS 19 spoke with Burnley on Tuesday and put in some calls to the city for an interview on Wednesday.
"Over time, fire hydrants have issues with the valves, and they require servicing," Johnson explained.
Wednesday morning, a crew came out to replace the hydrant.
"Surprise Surprise. Five months of no action and all the sudden there's a whole crew out here," Burnley explained. "And his wife was even shocked, "Geez you started something now didn't you. Well, I had some help."
Speaking with the City, CBS 19's Darcy Birden was informed the issue is in part, being short-staffed and other emergencies.
"If there are multiple emergencies perhaps water main breaks, sanitary sewer overflows or things of that nature, emergencies take precedence over scheduled work, and I'm almost certain that that was the case here." Director of Utilities said.
There are other hydrants in the city that need to be replaced.
"We did hire someone that has a particular skill set for replacing fire hydrants," Dr. Johnson said. "We'll address the fire hydrants that's been identified."
If you are concerned about a hydrant near you contact the Water Service Center at (903) 531-1285.