Fire Hydrant Flow Test Permit

The City of Toronto grants permits to allow for fire hydrant flow tests between April 1 (pending suitable weather*) and November 15. The online application for the Fire Hydrant Use Permit and Fire Hydrant Flow Test Permit is now open for the season.

*The weather must be above zero degrees Celsius to conduct a fire hydrant flow test.

**Flow tests are often needed to help applicants determine how to configure or upgrade a property’s private fire flow system.

Permits during the off-season (November 16 to March 31) are granted on a case-by-case basis and applicants must adhere to strict criteria. If you require a permit during the off-season period, please contact TWC@toronto.ca for an exemption.

Online application and payment must be made at least 10 business days in advance of the desired flow test date. Once the application and payment are processed, you will receive a receipt, the permit(s) and Customer Service Request (CSR) number(s) for future reference.

Apply and pay online

Payment must be made by credit card (American Express, VISA or Mastercard). If you need more information about this payment process, please contact TWC@toronto.ca.

Information needed to apply

  • Contact name, address and telephone number
  • Location(s) of the requested hydrant(s)

Fees

The fee for a Fire Hydrant Flow Test Permit is approved by Toronto City Council annually. All water-related fees are available at Water Rates and Fees.

Step 1: Book “Turn On/Turn Off” appointment

Appointments can be made between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Toronto Water staff will call you within four business days of receiving the application to:

  • confirm the location of the hydrant(s) to be used.
  • schedule a time on the requested date(s) to turn the hydrant on and off.

Step 2: Hydrant “Turn On” date

Masks are no longer required but are recommended. If the certified contractor is feeling unwell, contact TWC@toronto.ca to cancel or reschedule the appointment. The following steps will be taken at the fire hydrant:

  • Certified contractor will connect the test device and fittings to the hydrant.
  • Once Toronto Water inspects and approves the connection, staff will turn the hydrant on so that the contractor can conduct the test.
  • Once complete, staff will turn the hydrant off.
  • Staff will not complete the hydrant turn on if they feel unsafe.
  • Please contact the Toronto Water staff who booked the turn on/turn off date, or TWC@toronto.ca, at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment.
  • If cancelling, the permit fee will be refunded by cheque, which will be sent to the applicant within six to eight weeks of the cancellation date.

Applicants are responsible for:

  • supplying all equipment to conduct the fire flow test (i.e. gate valve, pitot and pressure gauge, etc). Toronto Water staff are only responsible for turning the hydrant on and off.
  • ensuring public safety when conducting the test. This includes supplying any barriers or other protective measures, as needed.
  • protecting public safety when the water is on. If staff deem public safety to be at risk, the permit may be cancelled.
  • ensuring the contractor hired to conduct the flow test is certified.
  • any claims that may arise while the hydrant was in use. Applicants must agree to compensate and hold the City of Toronto harmless for any claims.
  • ensuring that hoses do not cross roadways or sidewalks.

Hydrants can only be operated by City staff. Any unauthorized use of fire hydrants is considered water theft and can result in enforcement of the Water Supply By-law and possible prosecution.