About Hydrant Meters

Hydrant Meter Backflow Assemblies typically provide temporary metered water access at or near large projects and construction sites.

TVWD Engineering and Water Resources staff must review and approve the system hydraulics of the area surrounding a hydrant before it is approved for temporary metered water access.  Additionally, hydrants on commercial properties, often painted red, are prohibited for use to access water.

Typical loan/usage period is up to six months.  TVWD reserves the right to remove the hydrant meter at any time for improper use and when the loan/usage period ends.  Renewals/Extensions may be considered depending on hydrant meter demand (wait list).

Alternate water sourcing, such as metered water service, should be made to accommodate water needs beyond the six month temporary metered water period.  Renewals/Extensions may be considered depending on hydrant meter demand (wait list).

Payment for a hydrant meter must be made prior to deployment.  The initial payment includes the related administration fees plus a deposit.  At the end of the loan/usage period, water usage and daily fees are subtracted from the deposit amount.  Any remaining balance from the deposit will be returned via a check.  Should water usage exceed the deposit and/or if the hydrant meter is damaged, TVWD will retain the deposit and invoice the additional cost.

Once approved, hydrant meters will only be delivered and installed on select days during normal business hours.  TVWD staff will install, test the backflow assembly, and lock the hydrant meter to the hydrant.  Please anticipate two to five business days from the approval of your request before the hydrant meter is installed.

• Hydrant valves must only be operated with a hydrant wrench.
• Hydrant valves should be opened “fully” when in use and closed at the end of each day.
  • Hydrant valves are not designed to regulate flow.
  • TVWD's hydrants are considered ‘dry barrel’ hydrants with weep holes to drain the water when the valve is closed.
  • Opening the hydrant partially will allow fully system pressure to shoot out the weep holes undermining the dirt/rock fill supporting the hydrant.
• Use the gate valve to regulate water flow as needed.
• When the hydrant valve is closed, the reduced pressure valve on the hydrant meter backflow assembly will dump water to drain.
  • This will prevent freezing damage if the weather drops below freezing.
• If you suspect the hydrant meter may have frozen, contact TVWD staff to assess.  Do NOT tamper with the hydrant meter.