Hydrant Meters
Customer Service Offices at 525 Golden Gate Avenue are open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
City fire hydrants are owned and operated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. While hydrants are most commonly used for fire suppression by the San Francisco Fire Department, the SFPUC allows builders and contractors to use low-pressured fire hydrants for temporary water supply during constructions and for customers who need temporary water supply for permitted special events. To be permitted connection to a hydrant, customers must comply with all fees and approval processes.
| Charges (as of July 1, 2023*) | 1-inch meter | 3-inch meter |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | $2,435.00 | $6,601.00 |
| Connection Fee (non-refundable) | $213.00 | $213.00 |
| Monthly Service Charge | $30.11 | $151.35 |
| Cost Per Unit of Water | $11.12 | $11.12 |
| Utility Tax | 7.5% | 7.5% |
| Non-Reporting Penalty | $278.00 per month | $278.00 per month |
| Flushing Fee - if water is used for drinking and cooking (Special Event application only) |
$805.56 per hydrant | $805.56 per hydrant |
| Damaged Parts | Actual Cost | Actual cost |
| Lost or Stolen Meter | $2,435.00 | $6,601.00 |
*Rates are subject to change at the beginning of each fiscal year without notice to Builders & Contractors customers. For additional details, please refer to our Rates Schedules W-5 and W-41B.
| Download the appropriate hydrant meter application and rules below: | |
|---|---|
How to Apply for a Hydrant Meter
STEP 1: Bring the completed application and a check drawn on the business account for the deposit and fees to 525 Golden Gate Avenue, Customer Services, 1st floor. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
The contractor is required to provide the following documents:
- Completed application
- Federal Tax ID #
- Name and valid California Driver’s License of the person picking up the meter
- Valid California Contractor’s License
- Valid San Francisco Business License - for out of state contractors or customers other than contractors
- For filmmakers: valid permit issued by the San Francisco Film & Video Arts Commission
- For special events in the City, such as a fair: valid permit issued by the Department of Public Health
STEP 2: Bring the approved copy of the application to our Meter Shop on the day of pick-up. Hydrant meter pick-up is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 am -11:30 am and 12 pm - 3:00 pm except City holidays, at the following location:
The Meter Shop Office at 1990 Newcomb Ave. has reopened for appointments. Operations are limited to issuing, receiving and repairing hydrant meters. Customers must call (415) 550-4969 to schedule an appointment before going to the site. Walk-ins are not permitted at this time. To schedule an appointment, please call (415) 550-4969.
SFPUC Meter Shop
1990 Newcomb Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124
(415) 550-4969
Filming and Special Events
Applications for filming and special events require hydrant flushing, which must be scheduled five (5) business days in advance. Hydrant flushing fee is due at the time of application.
Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island
For rental requests at Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island, contractors must obtain the approval of the Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA) prior to applying for the meter. The approval letter must be submitted with the application. For additional information, please contact the Treasure Island Development Authority at (415) 274-0665.
All hydrant meters issued shall be used only at the location specified on the application and within the boundaries of the City and County of San Francisco. Contractors are required to immediately report any damage to the hydrant or meter to the Meter Shop. Contractors shall return the meter and hydrant connection to the Meter Shop at the end of their project. Contractors are prohibited from sub-leasing or transferring the use of the meter to another contractor.
For more information and questions, please call Customer Service at (415) 551-3000, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.