Submission checklists › Toronto Water & ECS

Fire Hydrant Flow Test Permit

City of Toronto: Toronto Water · version May 14, 2021, Rev. 1

Application form

1	Fire Hydrant Use Permit Application (online): secure.toronto.ca/webapps/whp/

Process following online application

2	Step 1: Book a "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 within four business days of receiving the application to confirm the location of the hydrant(s) to be used and schedule a time on the requested date(s) to turn the hydrant on and off.
3	Step 2: Hydrant "Turn On" date. The permit holder (or representative) must be present. A certified contractor connects the test device and fittings to the hydrant. Once Toronto Water inspects and approves the connection, staff turn the hydrant on so the contractor can conduct the test. Once complete, staff turn the hydrant off.

Applicant responsibility

The applicant is 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, including 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.

Notes

5	You can apply, pay for and receive Fire Hydrant Use and/or Fire Hydrant Flow Test permits online between April 15 (pending suitable weather) and November 15. After submitting online you receive a receipt by email, the permit(s) and Customer Service Request (CSR) number(s).
6	Property owners, developers and contractors can apply for a permit to have the City turn a fire hydrant on and off in order to measure the flow rate and pressure of a hydrant between April 15 (pending suitable weather) and November 15.
7	Flow tests are often needed to help applicants determine how to configure or upgrade a property's private fire flow system.
8	Permits during the off-season (November 16 to April 14) are granted case by case and applicants must adhere to strict criteria. For an off-season permit contact TWC@toronto.ca for an exemption.
9	Online application and payment must be made at least 10 business days in advance of the desired flow test date. Once processed, you receive a receipt, the permit(s) and CSR number(s) for future reference.
10	Fees

This checklist identifies the scope of information typically required to support processing of an application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to consult with the approval authority prior to application submission to confirm the submission requirements for more complex or atypical applications.

Permits this checklist is for

Fire Hydrant Flow Test Permit

Official pages

Fire hydrant permit application

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