diagram in 2 sections a) graphic of a tanker truck with white tank and yellow cab with blue fire hydrant logo decal, in foreground is green area representing grass and a black and grey area for roadway; in the background are a blue and white shapes representing tall buildings of a city skyline and second section b) is a grey background featuring graphic shape of a blue fire hydrant, on the hydrant in black font are the Charlotte Water logo and in black font Fire Hydrant Permit 9000 Expires 1/31/2028. Above and below the hydrant in blue font are the words: See a company using a fire hydrant? Look for the blue decal Don't see a blue decal? Call 311 or 704-336-7600
My Water, Water Quality

How to Report Unauthorized Hydrant Use

Is a company using a fire hydrant on your street?

If so look for the blue hydrant decal. This decal proves they are authorized to use the hydrant and pay for the water they use. 

blue hydrant decal for authorized use of hydrants. this is just a sample.
A blue hydrant decal for authorized use of hydrants. This is just a sample.

CLTWater maintains more than 18,000 hydrants throughout the county. The Charlotte Fire Department and CLTWater periodically use hydrants for fire response, water-quality testing, and to serve contractors and other vendors.

Authorized Users are:

  • Street cleaning vehicles, irrigation trucks, and vendors with truck-mounted tanks that have a hydrant decal on the back of the tank or truck.
  • Fire Departments
  • CLTWater staff

If you see a use of a hydrant, please:
1. Look for yellow hydrant decal on the back of the tank or truck. If there is one, then it is likely authorized. If people are behaving suspiciously then proceed with below steps.

2. Write down

– Name of the company on truck

– License tag number

– Location of hydrant

– Time of the illegal usage.

3. Take a photo if possible.

4. Call 311 or 704-336-7600 and ask to speak to CLTWater Customer Service Dispatch.

Note: Hydrants may also have a device attached to them. These are temporary hydrant meters that help us accurately bill water use. Learn more at charlottewater.org or call 311 or 704-336-7600.