Hydrant Use Program Purpose
To regulate usage of hydrants on the Commission’s water distribution system and to adequately protect the system from the threat of backflow/back-siphonage; in addition to help prevent the unauthorized usage of hydrants and provide law enforcement a more visible way to recognize legal hydrant usage.
NOTE: Per US Code Title 42, Section 300i-1 unauthorized usage of a public water supply is a Federal Offense.
Hydrant Use Program Summary
Unauthorized usage of hydrants can be a threat to our water distribution system which can harm the public health. The Commission's Hydrant Use Program is designed to equip you with knowledge and guidance to adequately protect the public health.
NOTE: The Commission reserves the right to meter the usage.
Types of Hydrant Users
Non-Transient User: JMWSC will set up a testable backflow device and/or meter on a fixed hydrant for the permittee.
Transient User: The truck, tank, etc. must be equipped with an air gap or a permanently mounted SCDES approved backflow prevention assembly. Equipment must be inspected and approved by JMWSC.
Cash & Carry User: Customers needing hydrant supplied water will be required to pay an administrative fee of $25.00 plus cost of volumetric usage. The customer will be directed to a hydrant specified by the Commission once the Non-Transient User Application is completed and an account is established.
Penalties
- $2,000 per incident per day may be levied.
- Repeat offenses or non-payment of fines will result in legal action being taken against the individual and/or company.
How To Apply
Transient/Non-Transient User Application Request
Hydrant User Fees, effective July 1, 2026
An adminstrative fee, meter installation fee, usage fees, and/or monthly mainteance fees may apply, if applicable.
Transient hydrant usage will be allowed by a permit system. All vehicles that draw from a Commission hydrant that is not equipped with a non-transient device, must possess a transient hydrant usage permit.
Application
After the online application has been submitted, the Commission’s Cross Connection Control Supervisor will contact you to have the truck, tank, etc. inspected. At that time a Transient Hydrant Usage Permit Application will be filled out and appropriate fees will need to be applied. Then a customer service representative will contact you for payment. Permits are for the period of July 1 through June 30 of the following year.
The truck, tank, etc. must be equipped with an air gap or permanently mounted SCDES approved backflow prevention assembly which has been tested within thirty (30) days from the date of application.
Fees
Fees can be found on the Rates page.
Use of Permit
Upon completion of the application and payment of fees, the Commission will issue a Water Usage Permit Decal. Decals will be color-coded for each calendar year. You MUST keep copies of permit documents with the vehicle to be presented when requested. The Commission will notify customers thirty days in advance of their decal expiration.
The customer is responsible for notifying the Commission prior to each hydrant use. The customer must specifically identify which hydrant is being used and the amount of water being drawn from the hydrant. The customer will not be charged separately for water, but is requested to closely monitor usage.
Temporary hydrant use permits will be required on all stationary sources. These permits will allow temporary un-metered water usage for either up to ninety (90) days.
Application
Application and appropriate fees must be paid in full prior to the installation of any assembly and are based on the requested size of connection. Hydrant use permits will be issued and approved only for SCDES approved water mains. The applicant must know the exact location of the hydrant that they wish to utilize.
Fees
Fees can be found on the Rates page.
Extensions
Extensions can be made at an additional cost per month based on the assembly size. Customer will not pay any additional fees for water consumption. However, the Commission reserves the right to charge for usage if water is needed for high volume applications.
Non-Transient User Extention Request Form, under contstruciton (call Donna West for an extension).
Setup
Upon completion of application and payment of fees, the Commission will set the assembly within seven (7) days. The Commission will equip the designated hydrant with a backflow prevention assembly and the required connection size. The assembly will have a shut-off valve on the customer’s side of the backflow prevention assembly. This is the only valve that shall be operated by the customer.
Usage
If an extension is desired, the applicant must make a request and forward payment to the Commission a minimum of fifteen (15) days prior to the end of the ninety (90) days. If a time extension is not requested, the device will be removed without notice.
The customer is requested to closely monitor water usage. The Commission reserves the right to charge for unnecessary water usage.