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

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

Register for webinar

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?

  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 (listed under water quality reference documents).
  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