In preparation for the 2021 growing season, a simplified permitting process for hydrant water access has been created by the City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM), with support from several urban agriculture partners (UAP), including Advocates for Urban Agriculture (AUA), NeighborSpace, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, the Chicago Food Policy Action Council, the Food Systems Resource Navigator Project, Grow Greater Englewood, and others.
For information and technical assistance in navigating the 2021 requirements, please use the resources below:
Water Access Application
Current City of Chicago Hydrant Use Permit Application
2021 Water Access Application Guide
For technical support, please contact:
chihydrantpermit@gmail.com
Please include details on issues navigating the 2021 application in the subject line of these emails to better assist.
Interested in supporting progress for equitable water policy? Fill out the 2021 Grower Survey today.
In 2021, growers have several options for water access. The best solution for your farm to get water access varies on many factors. To determine which option makes the most sense for you, use this Pathways to Water Access flow chart.
know your water access options
Ready to pursue one of these three options? Contact UAP for more information on your next steps!
None of these 3 options are viable solutions for your farm? Continue scrolling to learn if hydrant water would be a solution for water access on your growing site.
Only proceed if the preferred options above are not available. Hydrant water access is temporary and a last resort option.
is hydrant water access right for me?
Need assistance or have questions before moving on to the permitting process? Contact UAP!
Ready to move on to requesting a permit for hydrant access? Fantastic! Keep scrolling for guidance on how to get your permit in a timely manner.
hydrant water access permit application Process
Ready to start the process to access fire hydrant water? be aware all of the steps you’ll need to complete after submitting your hydrant application:
Congratulations! You made it to the end! We hope you have a fruitful (pun intended) 2021 growing season.
Got stuck somewhere along the way? Have any questions about your permit after submitting all the documents? UAP is here to help!