On the corner of 11th Avenue and Patterson Street, there is a fire hydrant that dates back to the 1940s.

The hydrant's paint has chipped off so much, it’s hard to tell if yellow was its original color. There is rust in every nook and cranny, from its base to its side. And yet, despite its aging look, the hydrant is in functioning condition due to maintenance and upkeep.

“Maintenance is a way to keep costs down if you properly maintain infrastructure.” said Mike Masters, the Water Operations Manager at the Eugene Water & Electric Board. “For example, this hydrant … functions properly because it's been maintained well over those years.”

EWEB is hoping to transfer ownership of city-owned fire hydrants from the City of Eugene to the utility. According to EWEB, this transfer will help stream

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