The Wastewater Department recently took receipt of a new Vac-Con Truck. That truck replaced an old 1988 HydroJet truck. The brake system had completely failed on the old truck which rendered it useless as parts were unavailable for a specialty truck that old.

Wastewater Director Kenny DeRamus and Vehicle Maintenance Director Napoleon Steele checked out vehicles at the state surplus auction. They were able to acquire a 1996 military (all-wheel drive) truck for $9,000. Wastewater took the still functioning body off of the 1988 truck and put it on the newer 1996 chassis. The vehicle was then painted white to match the rest of the fleet.

Although this older HydroJet unit does not contain a vacuum feature, it is perfect for powerwashing and sawing roots out of the (approximately) 20 miles of sewer lines which are not located under pavement. This also prevents the new Vac-Con truck from getting damaged in an off-road situation.

A significant amount of money was saved by repurposing working components as opposed to buying a new off-road HydroJet. The City of Prattville Wastewater Department is to be commended for their creativity in this successful recycling effort.

Non-working HydroJet truck.

Military truck purchased at auction.

Beginning to combine the two vehicles.

Fully combined, painted and ready for the City Seal to be applied to match the rest of the fleet.

More Photos