Effective May 2021, Metro Vancouver will be adjusting the pH and alkalinity of potable water supplied to properties in the City of Vancouver. Review details PDF file (735 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
Effective January 1, 2022, the annual operating permit fee will be $250. Additional operating permits for buildings requiring more than one operating permit will be $100 per permit.
Legionella growth can be minimized by keeping the hot water hot, and the cold water cold. While an operating permit is not required for a building’s potable water system, there are some requirements to follow.
Hot water
Thermostats on storage tanks must be set no lower than 60 °C (140 F).
Recirculation loops should keep hot water above 49 °C (120 F).
Low flow faucets and showerheads are not required in treatment or care facilities and may be exempt from other buildings with a professional water management plan.
Note No new single pass systems, including once through cooling equipment, may be installed.
All existing once through cooling equipment, non-recirculating liquid ring pumps, and other single pass systems must be disconnected from the City’s water system.
Not sure if your system uses once through cooling? Learn how you can find out in our guide PDF file (2 MB).
Exemptions
There are exemptions which require a permit, such as for emergency once through cooling equipment installed before May 2, 2017.
