The Charles County Department of Public Works is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying and reporting illegal connections to county fire hydrants. Any connection to a hydrant without a hydrant meter or with a hydrant meter issued by another water company or jurisdiction is theft of water service.
What Are Hydrant Meters
Charles County hydrant meters are painted orange to make them easy to
identify. A hydrant meter of any other color, or not painted at all, is an illegal
connection. In addition to a county-issued hydrant meter, all connections
to a fire hydrant must include a backflow preventer. Connection to a hydrant
without the use of a backflow preventer has the potential to contaminate
our water supply.
The county only rents hydrant meters to qualified commercial establishments,
such as land developers, landscapers, brick masons, swimming pool
companies, and construction companies. The county does not rent hydrant
meters to residents.
For additional information about hydrant meter connections, please contact
Kristy McAndrew at 301-609-5606. Citizens with special needs may contact
the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 866-269-9006.
How to Report Illegal Use of Hydrant Meters
Do not approach the individual. Should you observe someone connecting
to a fire hydrant without an orange hydrant meter and backflow
preventer (excluding the fire department), please contact the Charles
County Sheriff’s Office at 301-932-2222.
When calling the Sheriff’s Office, please provide them with the street
location of the hydrant connection and any identifying information regarding
the vehicle.