SEQUIM — A new $400,000 combination vacuum and jet truck is now in use in Sequim.
Public Works workers use the truck for maintenance and emergencies in the sewer system, water system, Water Reclamation Facility and stormwater catch basins.
Funds for the truck came from 2013 sewer replacement reserve funds.
The new truck, expected to be in use for the next 20 to 30 years, replaces a similar 1997 truck, which was purchased in 2005 and which was in need of extensive maintenance and repair.
“The vac/jet truck is undoubtedly one of the most valuable and most used pieces of equipment that the city owns,” said Paul Haines, Public Works director.
He said the demand for and use of the truck has expanded dramatically in the past four years because the Public Works Department has shifted from a reactive model to performing more preventive maintenance.
The new truck is equipped with a water tank, pressure pumps, high-pressure hose and jetting nozzles, vacuum lifting tube, waste storage tank, truck and chassis, work site lighting and emergency lighting.
In the procurement process, Public Works staff evaluated five combination vacuum/jet truck manufacturers to determine which would best fit the city’s needs.
