Permit to Use a Hydrant

If you want to use water from a City fire hydrant, you need a Non-Premises Permit from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It lets you use hydrant water for a set time. You must pay each day you use the water.
See Rules Governing and Restricting the Use and Supply of Water.

• Get an RPZ backflow preventer: You need a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow preventer to use a City hydrant. A licensed master plumber must sell and install it. Your permit application must include the RPZ's serial number and model number. If you do not have an RPZ, you must show proof of a waiver from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

• Permit fees:

  • 30-day period permit fee: $55.00 for each 30-day period
  • Daily water usage: $13.50 per day

• Accepted payment methods:

  • Check (made payable to the New York City Water Board)
  • Money order (made payable to the New York City Water Board)

• Need help? Call the Cross Connection Unit of the Bureau of Water & Sewer Operations. The number is 718-595-5463.
• You can also call the Bureau of Customer Service at 718-595-7000.

• Complete the application: Fill out the Non-Premises Permit Application. Submit the application in person with payment and all required documents to one of the DEP borough offices listed below:

  • Bronx - 1932 Arthur Ave., 6th Floor, Bronx, NY 10457
  • Brooklyn - 250 Livingston St., 8th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Manhattan - 1250 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10001
  • Queens - 96-05 Horace Harding Expressway, 1st Floor, Corona, NY 11368
  • Staten Island - 60 Bay St., 6th Floor, Staten Island, NY 10301

• Application review: The DEP will review your application. They usually provide a Non-Premises Permit within three business days of your visit to a borough office.