Fire Hydrant Flow Test Permit

Apply and pay online at least 10 business days before your requested flow test date. After applying, you will receive a receipt, permit(s) and Customer Service Request number(s) for future reference.

Payment

You must pay by credit card (American Express, VISA or Mastercard). If you need more information about the payment process, contact TWC@toronto.ca.

What you need to apply

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

City Council approves the fees for fire hydrant use permits annually. All water-related fees are available at Water Rates and Fees.

Step 1: Book “turn on/turn off” appointment

City staff will call you within four business days of receiving your application to:

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

Appointments are available between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Step 2: Fire hydrant “turn on” date

1. Your certified contractor will connect the test device and fittings to the fire hydrant.
2. Once City staff inspects and approves the connection, they will turn on the fire hydrant so that the contractor can conduct the test.
3. Once complete, City staff will turn off the fire hydrant.

City staff will not complete the fire hydrant turn on if they feel unsafe.

• Contact City staff who booked the turn on/turn off date, or TWC@toronto.ca, at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment.
• If cancelling, you will receive a refund by cheque for the permit fee within six to eight weeks of the cancellation date.

Applicants are responsible for:

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

Only City staff can operate fire hydrants. Any unauthorized use of fire hydrants is considered water theft and can result in enforcement of the Water Supply By-law and possible prosecution.