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

You can generally get an operating permit in less than 5 minutes. Review how we are improving permitting

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:

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 (2 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 (under Water quality testing and reporting).
  6. Keep your operating permit up-to-date. Use the online system for annual permit renewal and updating equipment status.

For additional information, email: operatingpermit@vancouver.ca or phone: 604-873-7549.

Get, renew, or access permit 

Search for a permit Find issued operating permits

Types of operating permits

Resources