

Register for June 8 information webinar
Learn about a cooling tower Legionella outbreak investigation in a free June 8 presentation hosted by Public Health Ontario
Get by-law details
- Peer-reviewed article about cooling tower results (2021) External website, opens in new tab
- Summary of water safety and efficiency requirements PDF file (131 KB)
- Vancouver Building By-law External website, opens in new tab
(updated to March 7, 2023) - Background resources on Legionella
- Council Reports for Phase 1 (2018) PDF file (2.48 MB) and Phase 2 (2020) PDF file (5 MB)
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
Looking for an electrical annual permit? Review the steps and get an electrical annual permit
Ready to get your permit?
- Review what systems require an operating permit
- Review our guide on how to use the online permit system for operating permits PDF file (2 MB)
- Register for an online account (If you don't have an account.)
- Submit your application
- Report water quality results as required. For Legionella pneumophila and E. coli, review laboratory requirements and sampling guidelines (listed under water quality reference documents).
- 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.