Requests for the installation of new fire hydrants are usually initiated by a property owner associated with the planned construction of a new dwelling or other improvements. The local fire department may require the fire hydrant if an existing fire hydrant is not close enough to meet current codes. Other requests are often associated with fire insurance issues.

Note: having a fire hydrant on or near your property may not improve your ability to obtain fire insurance or lower insurance costs.  Please check with your insurance agent.

The District’s approval of a new fire hydrant will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the location of the nearest existing fire hydrant, the size and available capacity of existing water mains in the area, and if the property is within EID’s service area.  If approved to proceed, the improvements must be constructed by a licensed contractor retained by the property owner in accordance with the District’s design and construction standards. The fire hydrants are typically not installed by District crews.

Below is a summary of information and requirements to install a fire hydrant:

Obtain a Facility Improvement Letter (FIL). The FIL request form is submitted with a fire flow letter that the applicant obtains from the fire department indicating the required fire flows for the hydrant. EID’s engineering department will perform hydraulic modeling to verify if the requested fire flows can be met with the existing infrastructure and what related improvements may be required. The FIL fee for this type of project is $400.00 and processing time is 6 to 8 weeks. Once issued, the FIL is valid for three years.

Open a project for the required water main extension and hydrant installation per the FIL.  Adding a hydrant is considered an extension of District facilities and you will need to submit plans, signed by a registered civil engineer and in accordance with District design and construction standards that show the proposed hydrant location and connection to our water main. Plans are reviewed on a time and material basis; review times depend on the quality of the plans received. Typically the main concern with fire hydrant installations are land rights (in public right-of-way or private easement) and conflicts with other utilities.  If the water main or fire hydrant is in County right-of-way, the plans will also need to be reviewed by the County and subject to County permit fees. The fire department shall also review and approve the plans. The applicant would hire a contractor licensed to construct underground facilities to install the water line extension and hydrant in accordance with the approved plans. EID will require a deposit for anticipated inspection costs during the course of construction. The deposit amount is typically determined during the second plan submittal, once we know the scope of the project.

Prior to EID’s approval of the plans, the applicant shall:

• Execute any necessary easements required for the installation of the fire hydrant;
• Execute an Extension of Facility Agreement; and,
• Submit payment of requested inspection deposit.

Once the plans have been approved by all agencies involved, construction of the extension can proceed.  The installation will be inspected by EID staff.

After the improvements have been constructed and accepted, the District will own, operate and maintain the new infrastructure.

Please contact our Development Services division directly for questions at (530)642-4028 or services@eid.org. 

If you need another form not linked in this page, please go to our Development Services webpage.