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 |
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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: | |
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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.
ALL Hydrant Permit Applicants are to provide the following documents:
- Completed Hydrant Meter Permit application
- Federal Tax ID #
- Name and valid California Driver’s License of the person picking up the meter
- Valid California Business/Contractors License
- Valid San Francisco Business License - Required for ALL out of state Hydrant Meter Permittee Applicants
- 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: Call our Meter Shop at 415-550-4969 to schedule a time for Hydrant Meter Pick Up.
Scheduled pick up is available M-F, between 7:30 to 11:30am and between 12-3pm except City holidays at our Meter Shop located at 1990 Newcomb Ave, SF, CA 94124
- Hydrant Meter Permit Applicant must bring copy of approved permit application.
- Hydrant meters will not be issued without an appointment or approved Hydrant Meter Permit Application.
- Our Meter Shop operations are limited to scheduled hydrant meter issuance, returns and repairs.
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, Hydrant Meter Permit applicants 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 Hydrant Meter Permit application. For additional information, please contact the Treasure Island Development Authority at (415) 274-0665.
All hydrant metering equipment issued are the property of the SFWD and shall be used only at the location specified on the application and within the boundaries of the City and County of San Francisco. Hydrant Meter Permittees are required to immediately report any damage to our hydrant or meter to our SFWD Meter Shop 415-550-4969. Hydrant Meter Permittees shall return all our metering equipment (meter, hydrant connection, flex hose and spanner wrench) to our SFWD Meter Shop no later than within 5 Calendar days of the approved permit end date. Hydrant Meter Permittees are prohibited from sub-leasing or transferring the use of our hydrant meter to any persons, companies etc.
For more information and questions, please call Customer Service at (415) 551-3000, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.