About Hydrant Meters

Hydrant Backflow Meter

Hydrant Backflow Meters provide customers with a temporary metered and backflow protected water source at or near a project job site. To learn more about hydrant backflow meters, see our FAQ section below.

TVWD and the State require a backflow assembly test be performed at the time of installation and/or relocation.  TVWD staff will test the hydrant backflow meter at the time of installation and lock it to the hydrant.  Expect our staff to inspect and test the hydrant backflow meter as needed. 

Relocating a hydrant backflow meter is subject to additional payment of the administrative fee.

Unauthorized hydrant use and/or use of a non-approved (un-inspected) tank is subject to the penalties listed in our Bulk Water Rates.

 

Installed Hydrant Meter Backflow Assembly

TVWD's hydrant meter backflow assembly installation.  Hydrant meters include a front support stand and a Chapman valve.

Locked Hydrant Meter

TVWD staff will lock hydrant meters upon installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical uses for hydrant meters?

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

Category: ~WQ Hydrant Meters
Can any hydrant be used?

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.

Category: ~WQ Hydrant Meters
How long can a hydrant meter be used?

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).

Category: ~WQ Hydrant Meters
What if I need the hydrant meter for more than six months?

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).

Category: ~WQ Hydrant Meters
When do I need to pay for the hydrant meter?

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.

Category: ~WQ Hydrant Meters
When will the hydrant meter be installed?

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.

Category: ~WQ Hydrant Meters
How to properly operate a hydrant with a hydrant meter backflow assembly.
  • 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.
Category: ~WQ Hydrant Meters
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