FAQs • Durham, NC • CivicEngage

What if hydrant meter is damaged or lost?

The City of Durham hydrant meter assemblies are installed, maintained, and secured by City of Durham Water and Sewer Maintenance staff. This allows the City of Durham to maintain the liability and responsibility of the equipment. There may be rare cases where extreme damage occurs to the exterior of the fire hydrant meter assembly in which case it would be expected that this damage occurred due to neglect from the customer and the $500 deposit would not be refunded.

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Fire Hydrant Meter Program

The City of Durham offers two different Fire Hydrant Assemblies:

Standard Fire Hydrant Meter Assembly includes a 3” water meter, Backflow Preventer and an external 2.5” NST Fire Hose Connection and & ¾” MIPT Garden Hose Connection.
Jumper Box Assembly includes 2” inlet and outlet connections for soft copper when a direct tap is needed due to no local fire hydrants.

3. How much water will I get from my meter?: You can expect approximately 8 - 435 gallons per minute (gpm).

4. Are hoses provided?: The assembly is attached to a fire hydrant via a fire hose provided by the City of Durham. Discharge hoses are not provided and are the responsibility of the customer.

5. Should I turn off the fire hydrant during the winter months or when freezing temperatures are expected?: No. Fire hydrant meter customers or their representatives are not authorized to operate City of Durham fire hydrants or any fire hydrant that has a fire hydrant meter assembly installed on it. The fire hydrant assembly is secured in an insulated box and includes thermostatic freeze protection.

6. How long do you allow hydrant meter to be used?: Rental periods may vary from one day to one year or more. Rental fees and consumption charges are paid monthly. As long as the account remains current you can remain in possession of the fire hydrant meter assembly.

The City of Durham hydrant meter assemblies are installed, maintained, and secured by City of Durham Water and Sewer Maintenance staff. This allows the City of Durham to maintain the liability and responsibility of the equipment. There may be rare cases where extreme damage occurs to the exterior of the fire hydrant meter assembly in which case it would be expected that this damage occurred due to neglect from the customer and the $500 deposit would not be refunded.

8. Who can I contact for more information?: You may contact the Hydrant Meter Coordinator at 919-560-4344, option 4.