Hydrant Use Permits

Procedures for acquiring a hydrant permit

Hydrant use permits are issued by Waterworks to customers requiring the use of a hydrant for a specific purpose for a set amount of time. For example, hydrants may be needed to provide construction water, water use for film crews, etc.

There are two types of hydrant use permits. Type A, the most commonly used, allows the customer to use up to four hydrants in a two month period, one at a time. The City must be made aware of the hydrants to be used before you start using them. Type B is used in special cases whereby the customer requires use of hydrants on a continuous basis; however, does not know beforehand which hydrants are required. Type B users are required to fax a copy of the hydrants used monthly to the fax number on the form.

Type A

1. Fill out a permit form (in person) in the Client Service Centre located on the 5th Floor, 507 West Broadway.
2. Look up the hydrant's location on Vanmap by selecting the 'Water' layer in the legend.
   • Click on 'Options' in the Address Search (in the top toobar area), under 'Street Name', select the hundred blocks option and enter the block and street. Click on search.
   • When the map comes up, click on the arrow in the toolbox. Use the arrow to activate the "Water" layer box, which you will find on the left hand side of your viewing screen. Overall, you will find a number of boxes which can be activated by clicking on them. By doing so, you will bring up different mapping layers and information.
   • With the "Water" layer box activated, you will see a number of blue lines and dots signifying water mains, valves and hydrants. Fire hydrants are displayed as blue dots and will typically be found near street intersections. You will also notice a six figure hydrant identifyer beginning with a letter followed by five numbers, for example; L20-003. There will also be a locational distance offset after the six figure identifyer. In the case for hydrant L20-003, which is located on the northeast corner of West 47th and East Boulevard, the locational distance offset is 2.2 - meaning the hydrant is located at 2.2 metres east of the east property-line of West 47th and East Boulevard.
3. Backflow prevention and hydrant key:
   • The backflow prevention assembly serial number for the hydrant must be provided to the City by the permitee.
   • A copy of the backflow prevention assembly test report (no older than one year) for the backflow device that will be used needs to be provided.
   • Exact location of the hydrant(s) must be provided.
   • Permitees must have a hydrant key. The key and the backflow prevention assembly can be rented from rental companies.
4. Purpose of Use:

   Purpose of use must be provided by the permitee and be specific to the intended application. Hydrant permits are NOT issued for use as potable drinking supply, filling swimming pools or construction site water services.

Type A Permit Fees:

This permit fee allows the customer to use up to four hydrants in a two month period, one hydrant at a time, at a cost of $150.00 plus HST, and a damage deposit of $500.00. When use of the hydrant is no longer required, return the permit, and an inspector will examine the hydrant. Water consumption is usually included in the permit fee. The deposit will be returned to the permitee if there is no damage to the hydrant. For more information, call 604.873.7357, or e-mail: sewer.water.design@vancouver.ca, or fax: 604.873.7200.

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Type B

Procedures are the same as Type A with the additional requirement of a hydrant log to be faxed by permitee, monthly, to the fax number on the form. Permit applications are subject to review by Engineering Services.

Type B Permit Fees:

Permission for Type B permit use is restricted. This permit covers a maximum twelve month duration, at a cost of $100.00 plus HST per month payable in advance, and a damage deposit of $1,000.00. When use of the hydrant is no longer required, return the permit, and an inspector will examine the hydrant. The deposit will be returned to the permitee if there is no damage to the hydrant. For more information, call 604.873.7357, or e-mail: sewer.water.design@vancouver.ca, or fax: 604.873.7200.

General Notes

Backflow Prevention: The customer must comply with the City of Vancouver backflow prevention and cross connection standards. To not do so, endangers the public's well being. Double check valve assembly must be installed either directly to the hydrant port or on the hose within five feet of the hydrant. Only equipment which has been tested by a certified tester can be used on the hydrant.

Hydrant Key: A hydrant key must be used to operate the hydrant.

Limitation of Use: This permit covers one hydrant use at any given time due to the possible effect on water pressure. Fire hydrants, which have 'Fire Use Only' stamped on them, may not be used. Hydrant use is not permitted for drinking water as the water may be stagnate. Other uses are prohibited, such as filling swimming pools or usage involving hazardous materials.

Hydrant Damage: Damage deposits are returned upon satisfactory inspection of the permitted hydrants. Repairs will be performed by the City of Vancouver and will be charged against the damage deposit and any surplus will be billed to the permit holder.

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