Infographic of where a cooling tower, building water treatment, municipal water supply, rainwater harvesting, and decorative fountain are featured near a building

Get a water systems operating permit

After a prolonged shutdown, your building's plumbing system (cold and hot water) and mechanical systems may not be safe. Guidance is available from WorkSafe BC , The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , American Water Works Association , Province of Ontario , Province of Quebec , Europe ,  and Public Services and Procurement Canada  (188 KB).

To more effectively respond to incidents, mitigate health risks by pathogens (such as Legionella pneumophila), and ensure compliance with updated standards, operating permits help us and health authorities track new and existing:

  • Cooling towers
  • Decorative water features
  • Non-potable water systems and other building water systems

Get background details

Get by-law details

Looking for an electrical annual permit? Review the steps and get an electrical annual permit

Ready to get your permit?

  1. Review what systems require an operating permit
  2. Review our guide on how to use the online permit system for operating permits (1.4 MB)
  3. Register for an online account (If you don't have an account.)
  4. Submit your application
  5. Report water quality results as required. For Legionella pneumophila and E. coli, review laboratory requirements and sampling guidelines.

Register and submit application

Types of operating permits

For additional information, contact: operatingpermit@vancouver.ca

As of January 1, 2022, all operating permits must be associated with someone holding the EOCP “Building Water System Operator” certification. Get additional information from the Environmental Operators Certification Program