Hydrant Use and Permit Fees- FAQ

What are these fees for?

Customers who need temporary water access from a fire hydrant must pay the following fees:

•    Permit Fee: A non-refundable charge for processing the application.
•    Security Deposit: A refundable fee to cover potential loss or damage to DC Water’s hydrant equipment.
•    Daily Rental Fee: A prepaid charge for the use of DC Water’s hydrant meter and backflow prevention equipment.

Why are these fees charged?

These fees help DC Water recover costs associated with purchasing, inspecting, and maintaining hydrant meters and backflow preventers, as well as enforcing hydrant use policies.

How do I apply for a fire hydrant use permit and obtain equipment?

For permits, click here

Equipment issuance and return are handled at:
      3900 Donaldson Place NW, Washington, DC 20016
      Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

I have more questions about the fire hydrant fees and permitting process.  

More information about current fee amounts can be found at dcwater.com/fees, and permits at dcwater.com/fire-hydrant-use-permit.

Contact the Compliance Program by phone (202) 364-3144 (M-F, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM) or through email at FHUP@dcwater.com

How much is the Hydrant Use and Permit Fee?

To see the current fees click here.

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

DC Water Officials with NPS and ANC commissioners doing ceremonial groundbreaking
DC Water Breaks Ground on Piney Branch Tunnel, Final Phase of DC Clean Rivers Project

Today, DC Water broke ground on the Piney Branch Tunnel, the final major tunnel in our Clean Rivers Project. This work will help keep sewage and trash out of local waterways and make Rock Creek, the Potomac River, and the Chesapeake Bay cleaner for our community.

When we finish the Piney Branch Tunnel, it will hold at least 4.2 million gallons of rainwater and wastewater during heavy storms. Instead of overflowing into Piney Branch, that water will go to the Blue Plains Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated.

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Upcoming Meeting
Date
July 13, 2026
Monday, 2:00 PM

Upcoming Events

Jul 23
Jul 25

Customer Service Center Announcement

Payment Plan Incentive: provides a credit back of 50% of the last 3 payments made. Eligible participants are residential customers who have had an outstanding balance for 60 days or greater and with an outstanding balance of $500 or more.