Richland offers temporary water meters for long-term, large-scale, and construction projects. Hydrant meters connect directly to the City's water distribution system via fire hydrant. For additional information on our meter types, please contact Water Maintenance at 509-942-7670.

Requesting a Temporary Fire Hydrant Meter

To request a temporary fire hydrant meter, follow the steps below:

1. Complete application for New Temporary Water Hydrant Meter, the following is required when applying for temporary water service:
   • A primary contact person and phone number for the hydrant meter site
   • The location where the meter is to be installed
   • Billing mailing address and phone number
2. Pay the deposit
3. Once you pay the deposit, a City employee will install the meter at the requested location. The City employee will close the valve on the meter and open the fire hydrant.

Hydrant Meter Application

Fees

Operating the Hydrant Meter

• Do not operate the fire hydrant (unless cold/freezing conditions apply).
• Use the gate valve on the meter to control the volume of water.
• Please remember: The hydrant must always be opened or closed all the way. Using a hydrant in a half-opened position will cause damage to the hydrant weeps and may cause flooding around the hydrant.

Returning the Hydrant Meter

• When finished with the hydrant meter, call 509-942-7670 to have the meter removed and a final reading taken
• A final bill will be issued within 30 days of the returned hydrant meter. The deposit will be applied to the final bill and if there is a credit remaining, it will be refunded to the name the account was established in. The following items will be charged to your final bill:
  
  • Final charges for water usage (from last billing period)
  • Monthly service charges (from last billing period)
  • Meter damage fees, if applicable
• The City of Richland reserves the right to remove temporary water service for non-usage or non-payment.

Meter Relocation

Do not attempt to move the hydrant meter. Contact Water Operations at 509-942-7670 to have a City employee relocate it at no charge. Meter relocation requests received before 1:00 PM may be completed the same day. Requests received after 1:00 p.m. will be completed the following business day.

Attempting to move or otherwise tampering with the meter may result in the discontinuance of temporary water service. To restore water service payment of all costs incurred by the department to locate the meterand fix any damages and/or replace locking devices. For a list of fees, reference the Repair Fees table.

Cold/Freezing Weather Conditions

You are responsible for protecting the hydrant meter from damage due to freezing conditions.

When the hydrant is open and the meter valve is closed, the hydrant base is constantly filled with water. In freezing weather, this could damage the hydrant and the meter. You must close the hydrant and open the gate valve to drain the water from the meter when it is not in use. A hydrant wrench is the only acceptable tool to operate a hydrant. If the hydrant needs to be shut off, do it slowly.

Repair Fees

You are responsible for any damage to the hydrant and/or meter due to neglect. Examples include:

• Breaking the hydrant stem by using too much torque
• Not using a hydrant wrench
• Damage to weep holes
• Cutting the lock on the meter
• Breaking any part of the meter/hydrant

At the end of your rental term, if any repairs to your hydrant meter are necessary, additional maintenance and repair fees may apply. Costs include labor needed to complete repairs and are subject to change without notice.

Persons caught taking water from fire hydrants, curb stops or other water valves without proper authorization or metering are subject to an administrative fine from the City of $500.