Fire Hydrant Use

Hydrant Use Permit in PDF format

Rules for Access to District Fire Hydrant

No one can access a District fire hydrant without a permit. This includes individuals, private companies, and state and local governments.

Permits can be purchased at the District office: 19601 NE Halsey Street, Portland, Oregon, 97230-7430 and must be kept in the vehicle (e.g., tanker truck) at all times.

PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE INCLUDE FINES AND LOSS OF ACCESS TO DISTRICT HYDRANTS. FINES FOR UNPERMITTED ACCESS TO HYDRANTS ARE $150.00 FOR THE FIRST OFFENSE; $300.00 FOR THE SECOND OFFENSE; AND $500.00 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE.

  1. Permit holders can take water in one of two ways:
    1. One way is to access the hydrant across the street from the District office.  No meter is required, and consumption is based on tank size and reported at the office at the time of acquisition or on the 30-day consumption report.
    2. The second way is to rent a hydrant meter from the District and use it at one of the designated, approved hydrants in the District.  Consumption is reported on the 30-day consumption report.
  2. Vehicles of permit holders will be inspected by District personnel to ensure appropriate cross-connection prevention devices are in place and operable.  An approved air gap is required with filling any tank or vessel from a District hydrant.
  3. Permit holders are responsible for the cost of all damage to hydrants and rented devices (e.g., meters, backflow), including replacement if lost or not returned to us.
  4. Permit holders are responsible for ensuring the meter and backflow device are supported properly to protect against damage.
  5. Permit holders are responsible for disconnecting all hoses and the meter from the fire hydrant when it is not in use (e.g., overnight).
  6. Permit holders may use only a hydrant wrench to operate District hydrants and must open and close hydrants slowly and completely.