Fire Hydrant Use Permit
Fire Hydrant Use
Fire hydrants primary purpose is for firefighting. DC Water encourages those that need water sources for construction, demolition, dust control or similar purposes use temporary water service main connections or water trucks. If fire hydrant is the only option, DC Water will accept fire hydrant use permit applications and may approve connections to the fire hydrant.
Regulation
DC Plumbing Code, 12F DCMR §608.18 ̶ Fire hydrant use connections. Connection to a fire hydrant for any use other than firefighting operations shall require pre-approval by DC Water, shall be metered and shall be protected against backflow in accordance with this section. The connection shall include a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer conforming to ASSE 1013, suitable for high hazard applications, which shall carry a current inspection tag less than six months old. The assembly shall be installed within 10 feet (3m) of the hydrant water meter and ahead of any water outlet.
How do I apply?
- Obtain and certify reduced pressure backflow preventer ASSE 1013.
- Certification must be made by approved inspector (click for list of approved inspectors).
- Certification must be recorded on fire hydrant backflow preventer form.
Note: DC Water has a limited number of hydrant meter with integrated backflow preventers for rent. Please contact DC Water compliance program at (202) 364-3144 or FHUP@dcwater.com for more details.
- Complete and submit fire hydrant permit application & fire hydrant backflow preventer form to FHUP@dcwater.com.
- Wait for DC Water to send fire hydrant deposit and fee invoice to your email (see fee schedule below).
- Pay invoice by check.
- Wait for DC Water to send approved fire hydrant use permit.
- Contact FHUP@dcwater.com or (202) 364-3144 to schedule pick-up, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where do I pick up equipment?
3900 Donaldson Place NW
Washington, DC 20116
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
note: Bryant Street will no longer issue equipment beginning October 1, 2019.
How long will it take?
Invoices will be issued up to five days after application and form are submitted.
Once deposits and fees are paid, it will take up to two business days for permit approval.
What are the associated fees?
Fire Hydrant Permit Fee | $80 |
Private Fire Hydrant Flush | $100 |
Fire Hydrant Use - Water & Sewer Rate | Usage-Based, see 21 DCMR Chapter 41 |
3" Fire Hydrant Meter Deposit* | $2,000 per rental |
3" Fire Hydrant Meter Rental (<15 days) | $225 per rental |
3” Fire Hydrant Meter Rental (≥15 days) | $15 per rental per day |
3” Fire Hydrant Meter with Backflow Preventer Deposit* | $3,000 per rental |
3” Fire Hydrant Meter with Backflow Preventer Rental (<15 days) | $300 per rental |
3” Fire Hydrant Meter with Backflow Preventer Rental (≥15 days) | $20 per rental per day |
5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter with Backflow Preventer Deposit* | $1,000 per rental |
5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter with Backflow Preventer Rental (<15 days) | $225 per rental |
5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter with Backflow Preventer Rental (≥15 days) | $15 per rental per day |
**More information about these fees can be found at dcwater.com/hydrant-use-fees. | |
Note: *Deposits will be refunded minus any damages to equipment and rental fees will be refunded if a balance remains.
Who can I contact for more information?
DC Water Compliance Program: (202) 364-3144 (M-F, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM) or FHUP@dcwater.com.
What are my responsibilities?
Approved users of fire hydrants are responsible for the following:
- Reconcile any damage to the fire hydrant outside of normal wear and usage.
- Obtain a qualified individual to operate the hydrant.
- Purchase, connection and disconnection of all hoses.
- Obtain a public space permit from the District Department of Transportation.
- Obtain an approved backflow preventer (ASSE 1013 Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer).
- Ensure that the hydrant remains accessible for emergency service at all times.
