Independent Clearwater utility guide: WaterDepartmentGuide.org is an independent informational resource. It is not operated by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the City of Clearwater or Clearwater Public Utilities.
This page focuses on construction and temporary-water requests. Meter sizes, taps, impact fees, deposits and field-installation costs can vary by project. Obtain the City’s current quote or invoice before construction or hydrant use.
Clearwater Water Department: Meter Install, Hydrant Use 2026
Clearwater, Florida • meter sets, water taps & hydrant meters
Need Construction Water? Request the Meter or Hydrant Setup Before Using the System
Clearwater has separate official workflows for new meter sets and water-main taps and for temporary hydrant meters. These are different from simply starting an existing utility account.
For new construction, renovation or an upgrade, use the City’s Meter Set and Tap Request process for meter sets, backflow sets, fire-line taps and water taps.
For temporary water from a fire hydrant, request an authorized hydrant meter. Clearwater’s code currently requires at least a $500 hydrant-meter deposit plus enough security to cover water and other charges, while unauthorized hydrant use carries a published $500 charge per occurrence.
Start here
Clearwater Meter & Hydrant Quick Facts
Meter Set & Tap
Use for new meter sets, backflow-device sets, fire-line taps and water taps related to construction, renovation or upgrades.
Hydrant Meter
Use the City’s Hydrant Meter Request process for a new temporary hydrant-meter installation or relocation of an existing hydrant meter.
Hydrant Flow Test
Use the separate flow-test request when you need hydrant pressure/flow information. A flow test is not authorization to take construction water.
Clearwater’s published fee schedule lists unauthorized fire-hydrant use at $500 per occurrence. Use the City’s hydrant-meter process for temporary construction or bulk-water needs.
Permanent service
How to Request a New Clearwater Water Meter
The City specifically directs developers, builders and property owners to the Meter Set and Tap Request workflow for new meter sets associated with construction, renovations and service upgrades.
Meter Set and Tap Request
Use this route for a water meter set, backflow-device set, fire-line tap or water tap.
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1
Confirm the property and project scope
Identify the exact construction address and whether the project is new construction, a renovation, meter upgrade, separate irrigation service or another utility modification.
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2
Determine the required meter size
The approved meter size affects connection charges, impact fees, service-line dimensions, monthly charges and potentially backflow requirements.
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3
Determine whether a tap already exists
A meter set on an existing service is different from a project requiring a new tap or lateral from the City water main.
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4
Select Meter Set and Tap Request
Open Clearwater’s official service-request page and choose the City’s Meter Set and Tap Request option.
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5
Submit the requested project information
Use the permit/project information, service address, meter/tap details and contact information applicable to your project.
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6
Review the City’s calculated charges
Meter connection, tap, impact, backflow, fire-line and related fees are separate categories. Do not budget only the meter-set price.
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7
Pay required charges before City work
Clearwater’s fee schedule says applicable water connection and tap charges are payable upon application and before the work is completed.
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8
Coordinate installation and inspection
Follow the City’s approved meter, service-line, backflow and utility construction standards rather than installing equipment based only on a contractor’s preferred layout.
Do not confuse these tasks
New Meter Installation vs. Ordinary Water Turn-On
Utility Turn-On
The meter/service already exists and the customer needs active utility service.
- Handled through Utility Customer Service
- Account/deposit requirements may apply
- Current normal-hours water turn-on charge: $50
- Scheduled to become $60 on Oct. 1, 2026
New Meter / Tap
A meter, service line, tap or related infrastructure must be installed or modified.
- Use Meter Set and Tap Request
- Connection charges depend on meter size
- Tap charges may be additional
- Impact fees may also apply
New main connection
Clearwater Water-Main Tap Requests
If the property does not already have the required service tap, the project can involve both a tap charge and a meter connection charge.
Clearwater’s current fee schedule lists an Install New Lateral Fee of $3,019.78 effective Oct. 1, 2025. It is scheduled to increase to $3,205.00 on Oct. 1, 2026. Project-specific meter, impact and other charges can still apply separately.
The City’s code states that charges for services, pipe and meters outside municipal limits are subject to an additional 25%. Confirm jurisdiction before estimating a project.
Current through Sept. 30, 2026
Clearwater Water Meter Connection Fees
The following amounts are from Clearwater’s adopted water-meter connection schedule. Because the City’s next scheduled adjustment begins October 1, both the current and upcoming figures are shown.
| Meter / Service | Current Oct. 1, 2025 |
Scheduled Oct. 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1-inch meter with 3/4-inch service line | $663.48 | $785.48 |
| 1-inch meter with 1-inch service line | $759.03 | $881.18 |
| 1½-inch meter with 1½-inch service line | $1,744.19 | $2,031.83 |
| 2-inch meter with 2-inch service line | $2,035.92 | $2,332.10 |
| 3-inch meter on 6-inch main | $5,183.84 | $5,513.08 |
| 3-inch meter on 8-inch main | $5,185.31 | $5,513.60 |
The full City schedule includes additional 3-, 4- and 6-inch configurations and tap charges. Larger meters/taps and certain installations may be charged at cost. Request the actual project calculation instead of multiplying a smaller-meter fee.
Separate from meter installation
Clearwater Water Impact Fees
New development can also trigger a water impact fee. This is different from the physical meter-connection charge.
Current fee effective Oct. 1, 2025.
Scheduled Oct. 1, 2026: $720Current meter-based equivalent-living-unit fee.
Scheduled Oct. 1, 2026: $1,800Current published water impact fee.
Scheduled Oct. 1, 2026: $3,600Current published water impact fee.
Scheduled Oct. 1, 2026: $5,760Clearwater’s adopted schedule states that when work requiring an impact fee begins without first paying the required fee, the impact fee can be tripled.
Temporary construction water
How to Request a Clearwater Hydrant Meter
Clearwater’s code describes hydrant-meter service as temporary nonpotable service provided through a temporary meter installed on a fire hydrant.
Hydrant Meter Request Form
The City says this request is used to install a new hydrant meter or relocate an existing hydrant meter.
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1
Identify why temporary water is needed
Hydrant-meter service is intended for temporary use rather than as a replacement for a permanent long-term meter connection.
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2
Identify the project location
Have the construction address, site contact and the hydrant/location information needed by the City.
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3
Open Clearwater’s Hydrant Meter Request
Use the Utility Customer Service service-orders page and select Hydrant Meter Request Form.
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4
Choose new installation or relocation
The City’s request process supports both installation of a new temporary hydrant meter and relocation of an existing one.
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5
Meet the deposit requirement
Clearwater’s code requires a minimum $500 deposit plus an amount sufficient to cover anticipated water use and other incurred charges.
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6
Wait for authorized installation
Do not attach private equipment to a City hydrant or begin drawing water before the authorized hydrant-meter setup is established.
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7
Use the meter only at the approved location
If the project needs water at another hydrant, use the relocation process instead of moving City equipment without authorization.
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8
Track usage and account charges
Hydrant-meter water is metered and billed. Budget for consumption rather than treating hydrant water as free construction water.
The Clearwater code categorizes this as temporary nonpotable service. Use it only for the approved purpose and follow any project-specific public-health or construction requirements.
Changing jobsite location
How to Relocate a Clearwater Hydrant Meter
Leave the City-approved equipment at its authorized location.
Select the relocation option for the existing meter.
Provide enough information for Clearwater to identify both hydrants/sites.
Resume use only after the authorized relocation has been completed.
The meter/request is associated with an approved temporary service arrangement. Relocate it through the City’s request process rather than attaching it wherever water is convenient.
Fire-flow information
Clearwater Hydrant Flow Test Requests
A hydrant flow test is commonly needed for fire-protection design, engineering or development review. Clearwater provides a dedicated Hydrant Flow Test Form.
Engineering and fire-protection information.
Effective Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026.
Scheduled adopted flow-test charge.
Clearwater lists this as a separate Utility Customer Service request from a Hydrant Meter Request.
A flow test provides system data. If you actually need temporary project water, request the hydrant meter separately.
Protect the public system
Backflow Device Sets & Meter Installations
Clearwater’s meter/tap request specifically includes backflow-device sets. The required arrangement depends on the service, meter size and project.
Typical project questions
- Domestic or irrigation service?
- Commercial or residential use?
- Fire-line connection?
- Existing meter or new meter?
- Existing tap or new water-main tap?
- What meter size is approved?
Why approval matters
- Backflow devices protect drinking-water distribution
- Meter/set dimensions are standardized
- Right-of-way location matters
- Accessibility for meter reading matters
- Fire and domestic service have different requirements
- Incorrect work may have to be rebuilt
The City publishes standard details for meter sets, backflow preventers, fire hydrants, compound meters, fire lines, valves, trenching and water taps.
Cost & capacity
Why Clearwater Meter Size Matters
Large meter/service configurations cost substantially more to install.
Nonresidential water impact fees use equivalent-living-unit calculations tied to meter size.
Meter size can affect recurring water availability charges.
Larger and specialized services can require different assemblies.
Have the project’s engineer, plumber or approved design establish the service requirement. A larger meter can raise both installation and recurring costs.
Important date
Clearwater Fees Change October 1, 2026
The amount due can depend on when the applicable request/payment is processed. Do not assume an August estimate will remain valid for work applied for after the new schedule takes effect.
Choose correctly
Hydrant Meter vs. Hydrant Flow Test vs. New Hydrant
Hydrant Meter
You need to withdraw metered water temporarily for an approved project.
Use: Hydrant Meter RequestHydrant Flow Test
You need pressure/flow information for engineering, fire protection or development analysis.
Use: Hydrant Flow Test FormNew Fire Hydrant
The development requires a new permanent hydrant or associated water-main construction.
Coordinate with Public Utilities / project reviewClearwater’s fee schedule states that the fire-hydrant installation charge is determined by the Water Division based on current market pricing. Additional piping, restoration, materials or labor can increase the project cost.
Protect City infrastructure
What Counts as Unauthorized Hydrant or Meter Use?
Construction schedules do not create permission to bypass the City’s meter, tap or hydrant procedures.
Once service is active
How Metered Clearwater Water Is Billed
Clearwater water use is measured from the meter and shown on the customer’s utility bill. The City’s current bill guide states that 1 billing unit equals 748 gallons.
Clearwater’s utility bill converts meter consumption into billable usage.
Temporary hydrant service is not unmetered free water.
Applicable outside-city utility charges can be higher.
Use the City’s rate page for current water, wastewater, reclaimed, stormwater and related recurring charges.
Who handles what?
Clearwater Water Department Contacts
Utility Customer Service
Municipal Services Building
100 South Myrtle Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
Clearwater Public Utilities
1650 N. Arcturas Ave.
Building C
Clearwater, FL 33765
Customer-service location
Map to Clearwater Utility Customer Service
100 South Myrtle Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
Utility Customer Service:
(727) 562-4600
Customers visiting the Municipal Services Building should check in with security.
Open Google MapsBefore submitting
Clearwater Meter / Hydrant Project Checklist
Confirm the project is actually served by the City of Clearwater.
Know whether you need permanent service or temporary water.
Know the approved water-meter size.
Confirm whether an existing service tap is available.
Check whether backflow equipment is required.
Use Meter Set and Tap Request for permanent meter/tap work.
Use Hydrant Meter Request for temporary hydrant water.
Use Hydrant Flow Test Form only when flow data is needed.
Budget separate meter, tap, impact and related fees.
Check whether the Oct. 1, 2026 fee schedule affects the project.
Do not move or operate City hydrant equipment without authorization.
Keep request IDs, receipts and City approvals with the project file.
Troubleshooting
Meter or Hydrant Request Delayed? Check These
- Wrong request type A normal account turn-on request will not replace a Meter Set and Tap Request.
- Meter size not approved The City needs the correct service configuration before final charges and installation.
- New tap required An existing meter location may not have the tap/service needed for the proposed project.
- Impact fee outstanding New development can have impact fees separate from installation fees.
- Backflow detail incomplete Required backflow-device information may need to be resolved before installation.
- Permit/project mismatch Make sure the utility request matches the approved construction scope.
- Hydrant location unclear Temporary-water requests need a specific approved hydrant/project location.
- Hydrant meter needs relocation Submit the relocation request instead of moving equipment in the field.
- Payment not posted Verify required City charges/deposits have been received.
- Status still unclear Call Utility Customer Service at (727) 562-4600 with the service address and request information.
Understand the process
Clearwater Meter & Hydrant Terms
- Meter Set
- The City-approved physical water-meter assembly installed for a service connection.
- Water Tap
- The physical connection from the service line to the City water main.
- Impact Fee
- A separate development-related charge intended to address additional demand placed on the water system.
- Hydrant Meter
- A temporary meter installed on a fire hydrant for authorized temporary nonpotable water service.
- Hydrant Flow Test
- A test used to obtain fire-hydrant flow and pressure information; it does not authorize ongoing withdrawal of water.
- Backflow Preventer
- An assembly intended to keep potentially contaminated or nonpotable water from flowing backward into the drinking-water system.
- Fire-Line Tap
- A City water-main connection serving an approved fire-protection system.
- Temporary Nonpotable Service
- Clearwater’s code classification for temporary hydrant-meter water service.
- New Lateral
- A new service connection/lateral installed where the required existing tap is unavailable.
- Turn-On Fee
- A service charge for activating an existing water-meter or reclaimed-water connection; it is distinct from a new meter installation charge.
Frequently searched
Clearwater Water Department FAQs
How do I request a new water meter in Clearwater?
Use Clearwater’s Meter Set and Tap Request process for a new meter set related to construction, renovation or an upgrade. The same request route covers backflow-device sets, fire-line taps and water taps. Meter size, tap availability, impact fees and construction details can affect the total cost.
How much does a new Clearwater water meter cost in 2026?
Through September 30, 2026, selected City connection charges are $663.48 for a less-than-one-inch meter with a 3/4-inch service line, $759.03 for a 1-inch meter with 1-inch service, $1,744.19 for a 1½-inch meter and $2,035.92 for a 2-inch meter. Scheduled higher amounts take effect October 1, 2026. Tap, impact, backflow and other project charges may be additional.
How do I get temporary water from a Clearwater fire hydrant?
Use the City’s Hydrant Meter Request Form rather than operating a hydrant directly. Clearwater provides the form for installation of a new temporary hydrant meter or relocation of an existing hydrant meter.
How much is the Clearwater hydrant-meter deposit?
Clearwater’s code requires a minimum $500 deposit for temporary nonpotable hydrant-meter service plus an amount sufficient to cover the cost of water consumed and other charges incurred.
What happens if I use a Clearwater fire hydrant without permission?
The City’s current published fee schedule lists unauthorized use of a fire hydrant at $500 per occurrence. Clearwater also separately lists a $500 charge for unauthorized water-system use.
Can I move a Clearwater hydrant meter to another hydrant myself?
Use the City’s Hydrant Meter Request process to request relocation of an existing hydrant meter. Do not treat an approved hydrant meter as permission to attach it to any City hydrant you choose.
What is the difference between a hydrant meter and a hydrant flow test?
A hydrant meter provides authorized temporary metered water for an approved project. A hydrant flow test provides system pressure and flow information for engineering or fire-protection purposes. A flow-test request does not authorize continued construction-water use.
How much is a Clearwater hydrant flow test in 2026?
The adopted City fee is $151.25 from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The scheduled charge increases to $185 on October 1, 2026.
Do Clearwater water impact fees come with the meter installation price?
No. Water impact fees are a separate development-related charge from meter connection and tap charges. For example, the currently published residential water impact fee is $660 through September 30, 2026 and is scheduled to become $720 on October 1, 2026.
Who do I call about Clearwater meter or hydrant service?
Call Clearwater Utility Customer Service at (727) 562-4600 for account and service-order questions. Clearwater Public Utilities can be reached at (727) 562-4960 for utility-system matters. The Utility Customer Service office is at 100 South Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33756.
Official verification
Official Clearwater Meter & Hydrant Resources
Public Utilities
City water-system information, utility services and links to meter/tap and hydrant resources.
Clearwater Public UtilitiesUtility Customer Service
Meter reading, billing, utility startup, account activity and service-order resources.
Utility Customer ServiceMeter Set & Tap Request
Official service-request route for meter sets, backflow sets, fire-line taps and water taps.
Open Service RequestsHydrant Meter Request
Use Clearwater’s service-order area to select the Hydrant Meter Request Form for a new installation or relocation.
Hydrant / Service OrdersConstruction Standards
Official meter, backflow, hydrant, valve, fire-line, tap and utility construction details.
Construction StandardsCurrent Utility Rates
Current recurring water rates, utility charges and selected service fees.
Current Utility RatesRecheck the City’s current fee schedule before submitting. Clearwater already has scheduled October 1, 2026 increases for multiple meter, connection, impact and hydrant-flow charges.