Chicago Growers Guide (2025) Custodian Caps
Updated Hydrant Use Permit Policy — February 2025
To ensure reliable access to water, growers often seek access to municipal water via hydrants. For hydrant use, a Hydrant Use Permit (HUP) is required. In many cases, custodian caps (a magnetic lock secured to the top of a hydrant) have been placed on hydrants to prevent use whether or not the current person or organization seeking access caused the city to place the custodian cap on top of the hydrant in the first place. Similarly, a collar, a metal band placed around the top of the hydrant to prevent turning with a key, functions the same as a cap. For more information regarding hydrant access broadly, please refer to the Chicago Growers Guide—Updated Hydrant Permit Policy.
Pictured: a hydrant with a custodian cap.
Pictured: a hydrant with a collar.
To request custodian cap removal, growers must meet the following requirements:
There cannot have been previous misuse of the hydrant. Misuse is not explicitly or publicly defined.
The alder of the ward where the hydrant is located must pen or email a letter of support on official letterhead to the Department of Water Management.
The applicant must be prepared to meet the other hydrant permit requirements which include permission to operate on the land from the land owner, up to date payment of property taxes, the ability to pay costs associated with hydrant permit (namely, the flat seasonal rate for usage and insurance). To start the process please complete an HUP application here.
If you or others are seeking hydrant access, please check the right of entry status, and property taxes before seeking custodian cap removal. An HUP will not be issued even if a cap is removed if these requirements are not met.
With all requirements met, protocol is as follows:
DWM will perform a site visit after the HUP application is received.
DWM Leak Desk will review the hydrant to confirm if there was any history of misuse or complaints for the hydrant.
The commissioner of the DWM then reviews the removal request, and an invoice is sent to the individual, organization, or business that sought removal. In 2024, removal of the cap was $950.00 flat.
Payment can be made either at a payment center or online.
Following payment, a work order is placed, removal is scheduled, and a third party contractor removes the cap.
In many cases, removal from start to finish took over a calendar year. In some cases, removal took as little time as seven months. Because of this, it is advisable for growers to consider a multi-faceted approach to water access including sharing water, and catchment in the interim.
For support with custodian cap removal, be sure to fill out this form for tailored support. Please reach out to water@auachicago.org and schedule a meeting on Calendly if you have questions or encounter issues in the process of obtaining a hydrant permit.
