Bulk Water

The City of Boulder permits two private water companies access to its public taps. Community members who are not City of Boulder water customers can contact these companies to discuss their water needs:

Mile Hi

Mountain View Water

Several other private water companies also provide service in the area, and community members are welcome to work with the company that best meets their water needs.

Hydrant Meters

City hydrant meters are also available for contractor license holders to rent for temporary water use, and require a deposit and a monthly service charge.

Get Hydrant Meter Services

Review

Read all the information below to ensure you understand the requirements

Hydrant meter assembly availability

Hydrant meter availability fluctuates throughout the year. Submitting an application does not guarantee a hydrant meter within a specific timeframe. However, if hydrant meter assemblies are in stock, you will likely be able to pick one up within three business days of a successful application.

Costs

Deposit: A $3,600 deposit is required and all deposits and other payments must be made with either check or money order. The water usage is billed upon return of the meter at a rate of $11 per 1,000 gallons.

Service fees:

  1. There is a monthly fee for water service at the current 2026 rate of $220.83 per city code (4-20-25, B.R.C.).
  2. Hydrant Meter installation/reset: $67
  3. Hydrant Meter removal: $81
  4. Replacement permits: $10 processing fee

Permit requirements

Individuals who wish to use a fire hydrant meter to purchase bulk water from the City of Boulder must first obtain a permit and pay the deposit.

Permit expiration

  • Permits are active and effective for one year and may be renewed up to 90 days prior to expiration.
  • Meters must be returned every 6 months to the Municipal Service Center for recalibration.

Meter readings

We receive readings via remote communication technology, so you do not need to provide us with readings.

Apply for a hydrant meter

Submit your request via the Fire Hydrant Meter Assembly Application

  1. Upon application completion, someone from our team will contact you regarding availability. If hydrant meter assemblies are in stock, we will schedule a pickup appointment. Pickup is by appointment only, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  2. When you arrive to pick up your hydrant meter assembly, please bring your checkbook so you can submit your deposit and receive the hydrant meter.

Return your meter

Contact the hydrant meter team to request drop-off at hydrantmeters@bouldercolorado.gov. Dropoff is by appointment only, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Billing & Fee Information

The permit holder shall pay a deposit of $3,600 per hydrant meter, refundable if the meter is returned in substantially the same condition of its issue within six months, and the permit holder has complied with all terms, conditions, and restrictions of the permit.

Deposit is required at the time of application. Payment will be accepted by check only. The deposit will be returned with any costs for damages and unpaid bills deducted. The value of unreturned items will be deducted from the deposit at the actual replacement cost plus 15%. Failure to return any or all of the permit-related items may result in fines in addition to the deposit forfeiture. The permit holder understands that the hydrant assembly and its appurtenances remain the property of the City of Boulder.

If unpaid invoices exceed the amount of the deposit, the customer will be invoiced for any outstanding amounts. If invoices go unpaid for more than 60 days, the city may reclaim the meter and revoke the right-of-way permit

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