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We at º£½ÇÉçÇø supply growers with equipment, provide technical assistance, and design and install irrigation systems, so we as an organization should provide some insight as to what they are, what they are not, and how to maintain or change your system.

To ensure reliable access to water, growers often seek access to municipal water via hydrants. For hydrant use, a  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. 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. 

The Chicago Grower’s Guide: Hydrant Use Permits (2026) serves as a guide for acquiring necessary equipment and navigating the City’s updated hydrant permit policy. If your farm or garden is planning to apply, we encourage you to start the process early in the calendar year. Contact AUA’s Water Access Steward, Tucker Kelly, at water@auachicago.org, and AUA can support you throughout the process. Additionally, fill out this , and sign up for . 

Mrs. Vera Watson’s Neighbor’s Way Garden