Fire hydrant permits for non-potable usage are issued pursuant to Denver Water’s Operating Rules. Permit holders are subject to comply with Denver Water’s Engineering Standards and Cross Connection Control requirements per State Regulation 11.39.

Employees of Denver Water shall be allowed to examine a backflow hydrant permit when the hydrant is in use.

Backflow hydrant permit regulations
Denver Water may issue a permit to take water from a hydrant for such uses as construction, cleaning or events.
Permits are available in Denver, Total Service, Total Service Improvement and Read and Bill contract service areas. Master Meter distributors with an Integrated Service Agreement must follow all backflow hydrant use requirements. The Permit Holder can only use water for permit-specified purposes, on the specified dates. No hydrant water may be used for human or animal consumption or contact.
Permitted hydrant meters must have a Reduced Pressure (RP) Backflow Prevention Assembly that is testable and:
•	Has two independent operating check valves.
•	Has a hydraulic automatic operation differential relief valve located between the two check valves.
•	Has USC FCCCHR approval.

RP testing is the Permit Holder’s responsibility and is required for both permit application and annual renewal. The test date must coincide within 30 calendar days of the effective date of the permit.
Results must be submitted on the Denver Water-approved Backflow Assembly Test & Maintenance Report, available online. All permits automatically expire 12 months from date of issue.

Equipment set up and use
The hydrant must be opened with a hydrant wrench to prevent damage, and the valve must be fully open. Hydrant damage will be charged to the Permit Holder. It is a violation when equipment in disrepair causes water waste.

The Permit Holder must ensure the RP remain within sight when the hydrant is in use before 7 a.m. or after 5 p.m. every day of the week and all hours on Sundays. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of all associated equipment connected to the hydrant.

Proper support

The only acceptable meter support is a jack stand, also known as pipe jack or valve
support, as shown in the diagram above.

The Permit Holder is responsible for ensuring proper support for the RP attached to any Denver Water hydrant. Acceptable RP support means the RP is:
•	Properly supported at all times.
•	Upright (at least 12 inches above the ground/grade).
•	Away from areas prone to water pooling.