Every withdrawal of water from a fire hydrant must be permitted, metered and paid for. There are no exceptions; everyone pays their water bill, including City Hall, City departments, City contractors, City subs, and utility contractors installing water lines.

There are two ways to legally withdraw metered water from a fire hydrant:

  1. Meter installed on a hydrant
  2. Meter installed on customer’s equipment

No one but the City can touch a fire hydrant water meter. No one is permitted to set, move or even possess a meter.

For meters installed on a hydrant:

  • You choose the hydrant
  • You call Austin Water Utility Taps service at 512-972-0000 to obtain a permit, and schedule meter setting
  • You meet City at the hydrant, City sets meter, you install RPZ and test it and give test report to City.
  • Meters w/o RPZ installed and tested will be removed.
  • You use water, report your meter readings, and pay your bill.

For meters installed on customer’s equipment:

  • You provide the equipment: water truck, water wagon, stand pipe, etc.
  • You call Austin Water Utility at 512-972-0000 to schedule meter setting
  • You bring equipment to the Meter Shop. Note: Equipment must have approved RPZ (tested and current on this equipment) or approved Air Gap.
  • City will install water meter. Only the City can remove the meter.
  • You will call Dispatch at 512-972-1000 daily to report hydrant use.
  • Do not leave hoses connected to fire hydrants. This is a violation of the law and hoses will be removed.
  • You use water, report your meter readings, and pay your bill.