Permit Library › Provincial & regulatory agencies › Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) › Water taking
Permit to Take Water (PTTW): Category 2/3
Ontario Water Resources Act permit for larger water takings.
You need it when: Dewatering of 400,000 L/day or more, or other water taking over 50,000 L/day that is not EASR-eligible.
Why it's needed
- Category 3 applies to construction dewatering of ≥400,000 L/day. Category 2 applies to non-EASR taking between 50,000 and 400,000 L/day.
When to apply
- Long lead: about 90 calendar days for a standard review.
- On some large public infrastructure projects MECP runs a two-stage PTTW: a draft PTTW within 90 days (Stage 1), then the final permit within 15 days once conditions are met (Stage 2) [Guide].
Review time
Plan for about 90 business days. 90 calendar days standard.
Documents for a complete application
- Hydrogeological assessment (P.Geo./P.Eng.)
- Water taking rate/volume/period and description of operations
- Monitoring & contingency plan; discharge plan
- MECP PTTW checklist
Submission checklists
How to submit
- MECP online application.
Official pages
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Sources are marked in the text: [TO] toronto.ca pages, [Guide] general industry guidance, [Plan] permit planning practice. Confirm on the official page before applying.