Independent water utility guide: WaterDepartmentGuide.org is not operated by or affiliated with the City of Fremont, Ohio. Fire hydrants, meters, valves and other public water-system equipment should only be operated as authorized by the City. Confirm current hydrant-use, meter and service requirements directly with Fremont Water & Sewer Maintenance before starting work.
Fremont Water Department: Hydrant Use, Meter Install & Reads
Hydrant Access, Water Meter Installation & Meter Reading — Who to Call First
The City of Fremont Water & Sewer Maintenance Department maintains the municipal distribution network, including more than 135 miles of water mains, 997+ fire hydrants and roughly 7,800 residential and industrial services.
The department also assists the Utility Billing Office with water-meter readings and meter installations. For hydrant issues, meter field work, water-service leaks or distribution questions, call 419-332-3181. For account or billing questions, call 419-334-8966.
Start here
Fremont Water Department Quick Facts
Use this department for fire-hydrant issues, water leaks, water shutoffs related to leaks, service-line work, distribution complaints and field meter assistance.
Fremont Water & Sewer Maintenance installs and repairs service lines, installs water mains and valves, makes water taps, repairs hydrants, responds to water-pressure and quality complaints, performs utility locates and assists Water Billing with meter reads and meter installations.
Construction / temporary water
Can You Use a City of Fremont Fire Hydrant for Water?
The City’s published Water/Sewer Maintenance responsibilities include fire-hydrant maintenance and water distribution. A current public online hydrant-rental application, fee or deposit schedule was not located on the City’s official forms pages during this review, so contractors should obtain the current procedure directly from the department.
Do Not Do This
- Open a public hydrant yourself.
- Attach a hose without City authorization.
- Use your own meter without approval.
- Assume construction water is free.
- Bypass backflow protection.
- Move to another hydrant without approval.
Do This Instead
- Call Water & Sewer Maintenance.
- Explain the purpose of the water use.
- Give the project location.
- Ask which hydrant may be used.
- Ask what meter/backflow equipment is required.
- Confirm current fees and return requirements.
The City’s Water/Sewer Maintenance contact form specifically includes Fire Hydrant Issues as a reason to contact the department.
Safe temporary-use workflow
How to Request Hydrant Water in Fremont
Because Fremont does not currently surface a public hydrant-use application with standardized online fees, use this verification-first workflow.
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1
Call Water & Sewer Maintenance
Contact 419-332-3181 before connecting to any hydrant.
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2
Identify the project
Provide the contractor/company name, project address, intended use and approximate dates water is needed.
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3
Estimate expected water demand
Tell the City whether the hydrant water is needed for construction, dust control, tank filling or another approved purpose and approximately how much water may be used.
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4
Ask which hydrant can be used
Do not choose the most convenient hydrant yourself. System pressure, fire protection, traffic conditions and maintenance status can affect which connection is suitable.
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5
Confirm meter and backflow requirements
Ask whether the City will supply, install or approve a temporary meter, backflow preventer, valve or other equipment.
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6
Confirm charges before use
Ask for the current water-use rate, equipment charge, deposit or other applicable cost. Do not rely on a fee from another city named Fremont.
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7
Use only the approved setup
Follow City instructions for operating hours, flow control, equipment protection and the approved hydrant location.
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8
Close the temporary-use arrangement properly
Ask how equipment is returned, how the final meter read is documented and when the final water charge is calculated.
The City currently publishes general water billing forms and department contacts, but the official public forms directory reviewed for this guide does not list a hydrant-use rental application or fixed fee. Publishing an amount from Fremont, Nebraska, Fremont, Michigan or another community would be inaccurate.
2026 maintenance program
Fremont Fire Hydrant Flushing & Flow Testing in 2026
The City announced its 2026 annual hydrant flush and flow program on May 27, 2026.
Start Date
June 1, 2026
Water & Sewer Maintenance began work in the designated 2026 quadrant.
2026 Area
Northwest Fremont
The City described the quadrant as everything north of Croghan Street and west of the Sandusky River.
Purpose
Flush + flow
Hydrant programs help maintain the distribution system, exercise hydrants and support fire-flow testing.
Fremont has previously advised that distribution flushing can temporarily stir sediment and change water color, odor or taste. The City’s prior flushing guidance says these effects commonly clear after running water for approximately 5–10 minutes. Contact Water/Sewer Maintenance if the condition does not clear.
Public vs private fire protection
Fremont Public Hydrants vs. Private Hydrants
Fremont’s fire-code provisions distinguish between public and private hydrants. This matters for property owners, industrial facilities and commercial sites with fire-protection infrastructure.
| Hydrant Type | City Definition | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Public Fire Hydrant | Hydrant in public right-of-way, municipal easement or public facility grounds primarily intended for fire-department use. | Do not treat it as an unrestricted public water outlet. |
| Class A Private Hydrant | Private-property hydrant accessible to City forces for firefighting and inspection. | Private owner responsibilities can apply even though City fire forces may use it. |
| Class B Private Hydrant | Private-property hydrant connected to a fire suppression system or located in an inaccessible area and not intended for City firefighting use. | Often associated with private fire-protection systems. |
The municipal code describes inspection as verification of hydrant function, flow testing and winterization, while maintenance includes repair and preventative work needed to maintain hydrant performance.
New or replacement meter
Fremont Water Meter Installation & Replacement
The City states that Water & Sewer Maintenance assists the Utility Billing Office with water-meter installations. That means meter work can involve both the field crew and the billing/account office.
Call Water Billing When
- Opening a new utility account
- Changing customer responsibility
- Questioning a billed meter reading
- Requesting a billing adjustment form
- Discussing a tenant deposit
Phone: 419-334-8966
Call Water/Sewer Maintenance When
- A meter field visit is needed
- The meter or service area is leaking
- A water shutoff is needed for a leak
- Water pressure is abnormal
- Distribution-side service work is required
Phone: 419-332-3181
Fremont’s customer registration agreement states that utility agents must have reasonable access to metering devices and may remove a meter when required. It also makes the customer responsible for protecting the meter from damage.
Customer responsibility
Keep the Fremont Water Meter Accessible
The City’s Water Billing Registration agreement contains several practical meter-access rules customers should know.
- Allow reasonable access to the meter. The utility’s agent must be able to reach the metering device when necessary.
- Protect the meter from damage. Customers agree to protect City metering equipment.
- Keep curb boxes in good repair. The registration agreement also requires curb boxes to be readily located.
- Do not conceal the meter behind permanent construction. Maintain enough access for reading, inspection, repair or replacement.
- Report damage rather than attempting unauthorized repair. Call the City when the meter, remote-reading equipment or service valve needs attention.
How usage becomes a bill
How Fremont Water Meter Reads Work
Fremont bills water and/or sewer customers monthly. The City states that customers can generally expect the bill by the 10th of each month, with the current published due date on the 25th.
Reading Looks Too High
Compare usage with the previous month and check toilets, faucets, outdoor hoses and other possible continuous water use.
Reading Looks Too Low
Check whether the bill identifies an unusual reading or whether access/equipment issues may have affected the billing period.
Need Billing Explanation
Call Utility Billing at 419-334-8966 with the account number, bill and disputed usage period.
Troubleshooting
Fremont Water Meter Problem: Who Handles It?
| Problem | Best First Contact | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Meter reading appears incorrect | Water Billing | 419-334-8966 |
| Meter is leaking | Water/Sewer Maintenance | 419-332-3181 |
| Need meter field visit / installation | Water Billing + Water/Sewer Maintenance | 419-334-8966 / 419-332-3181 |
| Water pressure complaint | Water/Sewer Maintenance | 419-332-3181 |
| Water quality complaint | Water Treatment / Maintenance | 419-332-3581 / 419-332-3181 |
| Need billing adjustment form | Water Billing | 419-334-8966 |
High usage
Use the Water Meter to Check for a Possible Leak
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1
Turn off intentional water use
Make sure faucets, appliances, irrigation and other normal water-consuming devices are not actively running.
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2
Observe the meter
If your meter has an accessible flow/leak indicator, note whether it continues registering movement when no water should be in use.
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3
Check common hidden-loss sources
Running toilets are a frequent cause of continuous use. Also check faucets, hose bibs, irrigation and appliances.
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4
Call the appropriate City office
Contact Water Billing for account/usage questions or Water/Sewer Maintenance if the suspected issue involves the meter, service connection or public distribution system.
A homeowner leak check should be observational. Contact the City when a shutoff, meter removal or service-side investigation is required.
New connection / service line
New Fremont Water Service Lines & Water Taps
Fremont Water & Sewer Maintenance performs substantial distribution-system construction. The City specifically lists the following among the department’s duties:
Service Lines
Installation and repair of municipal water service lines.
Water Mains & Valves
Installation and maintenance of public water-main and valve infrastructure.
Water Taps
The department states that it makes water taps ranging from approximately 3/4 inch through large commercial/industrial sizes.
Fremont’s plumbing code states that a water service from the curb to a building must be placed in a trench at least four feet deep and must include suitable accessible shutoff arrangements.
Fremont’s code states that a plumber may turn water on for the purpose of testing work, must turn it back off afterward and must make the required report.
Account & usage billing
Fremont Water Billing Office
Water Billing Office
323 South Front Street
Fremont, OH 43420
Phone:
419-334-8966
Fax: 419-552-5043
Lobby: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Drive-through: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Monthly Billing Cycle
- Nearly 10,000 homes/businesses served for water and/or sewer.
- Customers are billed monthly.
- Bills are generally expected by the 10th.
- Current published due date: 25th.
- Tenant service currently requires a $50 deposit.
System scale
How Large Is Fremont’s Water Distribution System?
The distribution network also includes a booster pump station, a 2-million-gallon Cedar Street water tower and two 500,000-gallon towers at Walnut Street and Wilson Avenue.
Treatment & drinking water
Where Fremont, Ohio Drinking Water Comes From
The Fremont Water Treatment Plant identifies the Sandusky River as the City’s drinking-water source. Water is pumped from the river to the Fremont Reservoir and then moves by gravity to the treatment plant.
Source
Sandusky River
Raw water is moved to Fremont’s reservoir before treatment.
Plant Capacity
14 million gallons/day
Maximum treatment capacity published by the City.
Average Production
About 6 million gallons/day
The City reports an annual daily maximum around 8.8 million gallons.
1113 Tiffin Street, Fremont, Ohio 43420. Use this contact for drinking-water treatment and water-quality questions.
Department directory
Fremont Water Department Phone Numbers & Locations
| Need | Department | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Fire hydrant issue / proposed hydrant use | Water & Sewer Maintenance | 419-332-3181 |
| Meter installation / field service | Water & Sewer Maintenance + Utility Billing | 419-332-3181 / 419-334-8966 |
| Meter read / billed usage | Water Billing | 419-334-8966 |
| Water leak / shutoff for leak | Water & Sewer Maintenance | 419-332-3181 |
| Pressure complaint | Water & Sewer Maintenance | 419-332-3181 |
| Drinking-water quality | Water Treatment Plant | 419-332-3581 |
| Online / account bill problem | Water Billing | 419-334-8966 |
Field operations
Fremont Water & Sewer Maintenance Location & Map
Water & Sewer Maintenance
1111 Oak Harbor Road
Fremont, OH 43420
Phone:
419-332-3181
Fax: 419-334-5908
Contact this department for water leaks, hydrant issues, water shutoff requests associated with leaks, pressure concerns and distribution-system field work.
Water Billing Office
323 South Front Street
Fremont, OH 43420
Phone: 419-334-8966
Use Water Billing for customer accounts, meter-reading disputes, usage questions, service registration and bill adjustments.
Contractor / excavation safety
Need a Fremont Water Main or Service Located Before Digging?
Fremont Water & Sewer Maintenance lists locating water mains and services for contractors, individuals and other utilities through the Ohio utility-location process among its responsibilities.
An 811 locate request does not give a contractor permission to operate a hydrant, open a City valve or connect to the public water system.
Avoid delays & damage
Common Fremont Hydrant & Meter Mistakes
- Using a hydrant without asking the City. Public hydrants are water-system and fire-protection infrastructure, not unrestricted bulk-water outlets.
- Assuming an online hydrant fee from another Fremont applies in Ohio. Fremont, Ohio does not currently publish a hydrant rental fee on the official forms page reviewed here.
- Connecting without backflow protection. Ask the City what prevention equipment is required for the proposed temporary connection.
- Turning a hydrant too quickly. Improper operation can create pressure changes and damage equipment; follow City instructions.
- Blocking access to a water meter. The City’s registration terms require reasonable utility access.
- Removing a meter yourself. Call the City when meter removal, replacement or service shutoff is required.
- Ignoring a sudden meter-read increase. Check for continuous household water use and hidden leaks.
- Confusing flushing-related discoloration with a permanent quality problem. Check current City flushing notices and contact Water/Sewer Maintenance if the condition persists.
Understand the terminology
Fremont Hydrant & Water Meter Terms
- Public Fire Hydrant
- A hydrant in public right-of-way, municipal easement or public property primarily intended for firefighting use.
- Class A Private Hydrant
- A private-property hydrant accessible to City firefighting forces and City inspection.
- Class B Private Hydrant
- A private hydrant connected with a suppression system or located in a restricted area and not intended for ordinary City firefighting access.
- Hydrant Flow Testing
- Testing used to verify hydrant operation and available water flow for system/fire-protection purposes.
- Hydrant Flushing
- Controlled water release used as part of distribution-system maintenance and water-quality management.
- Water Meter
- Utility measuring device used to determine water consumption associated with an account.
- Meter Read
- Recorded consumption value used to calculate customer usage for the billing period.
- Curb Box
- Accessible service control associated with the water service; Fremont’s registration form requires customers to keep curb boxes in good repair and readily located.
- Backflow Prevention
- Measures and equipment used to prevent potentially contaminated water from reversing direction into the public water system.
- Water Tap
- Connection made to a water main for a service line or other approved connection.
Official verification
Official Fremont Water Department Resources
People also ask
Fremont Water Department FAQs
1. What is the Fremont, Ohio Water Department phone number?
For water distribution, hydrant, leak, pressure, service-line and meter field issues, call the City of Fremont Water & Sewer Maintenance Department at 419-332-3181. For utility billing and meter-read account questions, call Water Billing at 419-334-8966.
2. Can a contractor use a City of Fremont fire hydrant for construction water?
Do not operate or connect to a City hydrant without authorization. A current public online hydrant-use application and fee schedule was not located on Fremont’s official forms pages during this review. Call Water & Sewer Maintenance at 419-332-3181 for the current approved hydrant, meter, backflow, fee and equipment procedure.
3. How much does Fremont charge to use a fire hydrant?
The City of Fremont, Ohio does not currently publish a hydrant-use rental fee on the official public forms pages reviewed for this guide. Contact Water & Sewer Maintenance at 419-332-3181 for the current charge, deposit and temporary-meter requirements rather than using a fee published by another city named Fremont.
4. Who installs water meters in Fremont, Ohio?
The City states that Water & Sewer Maintenance assists the Utility Billing Office with water-meter installations. Call Water Billing at 419-334-8966 for account-related meter setup and Water & Sewer Maintenance at 419-332-3181 for field-service questions.
5. Who should I call if my Fremont water meter reading looks wrong?
Call the Fremont Water Billing Office at 419-334-8966. Have your utility account number, current bill, prior bill and the billing period in question available so staff can review the usage and meter-reading issue.
6. How often does Fremont read and bill water accounts?
Fremont bills water and sewer customers monthly. The City says customers can generally expect the bill by the 10th of each month, with the current published due date on the 25th.
7. When is Fremont flushing fire hydrants in 2026?
The City announced that its 2026 annual hydrant flush and flow program would begin June 1, 2026 in the northwest quadrant, described as the area north of Croghan Street and west of the Sandusky River.
8. Why can my water look different during Fremont hydrant flushing?
Hydrant and water-main flushing can temporarily stir sediment within distribution pipes, producing short-term color, taste or odor changes. Fremont has previously advised running water for approximately 5–10 minutes when temporary flushing-related changes occur and contacting Water/Sewer Maintenance if the issue persists.
9. Does Fremont require access to my water meter?
Yes. Fremont’s Water Billing Registration agreement states that utility agents must have reasonable access to metering devices and may remove a meter when necessary. Customers also agree to protect meters from damage and keep curb boxes in good repair and readily located.
10. Where is Fremont Water & Sewer Maintenance located?
The Fremont Water & Sewer Maintenance Department is at 1111 Oak Harbor Road, Fremont, Ohio 43420. Its phone number is 419-332-3181. The separate Water Billing Office is at 323 South Front Street and can be reached at 419-334-8966.