Who Can Use a Fire Hydrant for Non-Emergency Purposes?
Fire hydrants are primarily intended for emergency firefighting operations. However, DC Water may authorize the use of fire hydrants for certain non-emergency purposes through the issuance of a Fire Hydrant Use Permit.
Approved non-emergency uses include:
• Construction activities
• Special events
• Landscaping and irrigation
• Street and sidewalk cleaning
• Water truck filling
• Other temporary water use activities approved by DC Water
What Are the Requirements for Fire Hydrant Use?
Pursuant to 12F DCMR §608.18 – Fire Hydrant Use Connections, any connection to a fire hydrant for purposes other than firefighting must:
- Receive prior approval from DC Water.
- Be equipped with a properly functioning water meter.
- Be protected by an approved backflow prevention assembly.
To use a fire hydrant within the District of Columbia, you must have:
- DC Water Fire Hydrant Use Permit.
- DC Water-issued fire hydrant meter.
- Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer Assembly (RPBA) that complies with ASSE Standard 1013.
Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer Assembly Requirements
Customers may either rent a backflow preventer from DC Water or use their own approved backflow preventer.
If using your own backflow preventer, it must:
- Be inspected and tested by a DC Water-approved backflow inspector
- Pass all required inspection and performance tests.
- Have results documented on a Hydrant BPA Inspection Report
- Have an inspection date no more than six (6) months before the date the hydrant will be used.
To download a hydrant BPA Inspection Report, click here
Available Fire Hydrant Meter Options
3" Hydrant Meter
Components
- 3” meter
Connections
- 2½-inch National Hose Thread (NHT) inlet and outlet
Requirements
- Must be used with a certified ASSE 1013 Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer Assembly
This option is available to customers who provide their own approved 2-inch backflow preventer assembly. The assembly must be inspected and approved by a DC Water-approved backflow inspector, and the inspection report must be submitted with the permit application
Large Meter and Backflow Preventer Assembly
Components
- 3-inch hydrant meter
- 2-inch reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly
Connections
- 2½-inch National Hose Thread (NHT) inlet and outlet
This assembly is designed for customers requiring high water volumes for:
- Building construction
- Site development
- Dust control
- Water truck filling
- Other large-scale water use projects
Small Meter and Backflow Preventer Assembly
Components
- 5/8-inch meter
- 3/4-inch reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly
Connections
- 3/4-inch garden hose thread inlet and outlet
Additional Equipment Needed
- 2½-inch NHT to ¾-inch garden hose adapter (currently not supplied by DC Water)
This compact assembly is ideal for:
- Landscaping projects
- Street cleaning
- Sidewalk washing
- Pressure washing
- Special events
- Other low-volume temporary water use activities
Its lightweight design makes transportation and operation simple while providing a reliable temporary water source.
Important Note:
DC Water does not provide:
- hose
- hydrant wrenches
- garden hose adapters.
DC Water also maintains a limited inventory of hydrant meter assemblies with integrated backflow preventers available for rent. For availability, contact the Compliance Programs Office at (202) 364-3144 or FHUP@dcwater.com
How to Obtain a Fire Hydrant Use Permit and Equipment
Step 1: Apply
To obtain a Fire Hydrant Use Permit, you must:
- Register in the Acquaa Portal
- Submit a permit application
- Pay the $80 application fee
Click the Acquaa Portal logo to register and apply.
Step 2: Pay equipment Rental fees and deposit:
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the required equipment deposit and prepaid rental fees through the Acquaa Portal. Wait one business day for the account to appear in the portal and allow online payments. For urgent payments, contact DC Water at fhup@dcwater.com or 202-364-3144
Fee Schedule:
| Description | Current Fees | |
| Fire Hydrant Permit Fee | $80 | |
| Fire Hydrant Use - Water & Sewer Rate | Usage-based | |
|
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 day | |
 |
5/8” Fire Hydrant Meter with Backflow Preventer Deposit* | $1000 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. | ||
Step 3: Pick up DC Water's equipment
After payment has been received, call (202) 364-3144 to schedule an appointment for equipment pickup.
How to Use Fire Hydrant Equipment
Step 1: Connect the Equipment
Connect the hydrant meter assembly securely to the hydrant outlet and ensure the equipment is properly supported to avoid damage to the hydrant nozzle
Step 2: Open the Hydrant
Using a hydrant wrench:
- Fully open the hydrant operating nut.
- Use the discharge valve on the meter assembly to regulate water flow as needed.
Step 3: Protect the Equipment
When not in use:
- Remove the hydrant equipment.
- Store it securely to prevent theft, vandalism, or freezing damage.
Step 4: Submit Monthly Meter Readings
Monthly meter readings must be submitted through the Acquaa Portal.
Each submission must include:
- A photo of the meter serial number
- A photo of the meter register/dial showing the current reading
These photos are required to ensure billing accuracy
Returning Fire Hydrant Equipment
Step 1: Apply for a New Permit if Needed
Fire Hydrant Use Permits are valid for six (6) months.
If your project extends beyond the permit expiration date, you must:
- Submit a new application.
- Pay all applicable fees and deposits.
- Obtain a new permit before continuing hydrant use
Step 2: Return or Exchange Equipment
Return all equipment upon permit expiration or exchange it when obtaining a new permit
Step 3: Final Billing and Deposit Refund
After equipment is returned:
- DC Water will issue a final bill for any outstanding charges, or
- Refund any remaining deposit balance by mailed check.
Important
Timely return of hydrant equipment is required. Failure to return equipment by the permit expiration date may affect your eligibility for future Fire Hydrant Use Permits.
For projects lasting longer than six months, replacement equipment can be issued through the renewal process
Equipment Pick-Up & Return Location
DC Water Address
3900 Donaldson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Hours of Operation
Monday–Friday
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Loading and Unloading
Customers are responsible for loading and unloading all equipment.
Please note: The large meter and backflow preventer assembly weighs approximately 60 pounds. DC Water personnel are unable to assist with loading or unloading equipment
