Bulk Water Program

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Important Notice

Our Bulk Water Permit process has changed.

Please email Hillsboro Water to request a Bulk Water Agreement Form and the most up to date Bulk Water Hydrant Map and Addresses.

The City of Hillsboro Water Department understands that projects and construction sites sometimes need access to potable water, and contractors may not have access to a metered source in new construction areas.

To make access to water for projects like these available, Hillsboro Water runs a bulk water program.

The program allows water trucks to pull water from specific hydrants if the driver acquires a City of Hillsboro permit allowing them access, if they use a bulk water meter issued by Hillsboro Water, and if proper backflow protection is applied.

Questions?

Call 503-615-6702
Email Hillsboro Water
Visit or send mail to: 150 East Main Street, Third Floor, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

Bulk Water Program Fees: January to December 31, 2024

Bulk Water Program Fees: January to December 31, 2023

Meter Rental	Description
Deposit	$838 (Refundable)
Daily Rental	$5.45 per day
Cost of Bulk Water: $6.90 per 1,000 gallons

Other Fees	Description
Backflow Preventer	Water trucks often have backflow preventers installed on them already. If the truck inspection shows that your truck has a tested and certified preventer, you will not need to rent this piece of equipment.
Deposit	$461 (Refundable)
Daily Rental	$3.25 per day
Single Load	$22.00 per load

All fees must be paid at time of rental and inspection. Fees can be paid using a check or a credit card. You will be provided a printed map of bulk water hydrant locations at the time of rental. For more information, please call 503-615-6700, option 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Image of a Bulk Water Hydrant with approved ring

Why do I need a permit?

A permit makes it legal for you to pull water from Bulk Hydrants. It does not give you permission to pull from any hydrant in the city. The hydrant you use must be listed on the Bulk Hydrant Map and will have a blue identification ring around it. (See picture on right.)

Why do I need a backflow preventer?

Pulling from a hydrant can contaminate the public waterline if precaution isn't taken to prevent backflow. The backflow preventer protects the waterline from contamination. An air gap sized to twice the pipe's inner diameter serves the same purpose and is also an acceptable backflow prevention tactic.

Why do I need to meter the water?

You must pay for the amount of bulk water you use, just like you would pay for water used at a Hillsboro home or business. The meter makes it easy to record how much water is pulled, even if you make multiple trips.

Do you need to inspect my truck?

Yes, if you are using a truck to transport the water, it will need to be inspected at the time of meter rental. The inspection will confirm your use of a proper backflow prevention method and also that the truck is equipped with a hydrant wrench. The fee for an on-site inspection can be found bulk water program fee table.

What if I need access to a hydrant which is not designed as "Bulk Water"?

Site-specific permits may be issued for hydrants closer to the work site if Hillsboro Water approves the request. Please allow two business days for the permitting process. An additional cost - shown in the bulk water program fee table - will be charged for this type of bulk water permit.

Where do I rent the meter?

Meters may be picked up by appointment only at 390 W Main Street, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123. Appointment time may be requested on the bulk water agreement. You may contact the office at 503-615-6700, option 2.

What happens if I don’t follow the Bulk Water Protocols listed above?

Any unauthorized or improper use of a fire hydrant can result in a $500 fine, in accordance with Municipal Code 10.04.010.

City of Hillsboro, OR

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