Drinking water permits

The provision of water requires a valid permit. There are three types of permit approvals:

Applying for a permit?

Construction: Anyone who is building or has built a water system requires construction approval from a public health engineer. Find out how to apply for a construction permit through Engineering Direct.

Operating: Anyone who owns or operates a water supply system which provides water for domestic purposes requires a valid water supply operating permit. Find out how to apply for a permit.

Resources

Visit drinking water resources for operators and private well owners for forms, guidelines, and other information.

New drinking water source assessment (new or existing systems)

New drinking water sources need to be assessed to identify and avoid potential contamination. Information collected is essential for supporting source protection efforts and proper treatment system design and operation.

Source water approval form (PDF)

Environmental Health Officers (EHO) evaluate new drinking water sources. Once completed, an Application for Water Supply System can be submitted to Engineering Direct at 250-565-2150 or email PHE@northernhealth.ca.

Review the following information prior to starting your application:

Water system construction permit application

Construction permits are required by the Drinking Water Protection Act and must be obtained before the construction, installation, alteration, or extension of a water supply system.

When:

When designing a public water system prior to any construction work,
Choosing a new water source,
Making significant modifications to an existing water system, apply for a Water system construction permit application (PDF).

For more information, contact Engineering Direct at 250-565-2150 or email PHE@northernhealth.ca.

Review the following information prior to starting your application:

Approval of water works (PDF)

Water system operating permit application

An operating permit is required for community drinking water supplies by the Drinking Water Protection Act.
Once the Construction Permit is issued, your file will be forwarded to an Environmental Health Officer to begin the operating permit approval process.

When:

Permitting an existing water system as a public water system,
Permitting an new water system as a public water system,
Updating information for a permitted public water system, apply for a Water system operating permit application (PDF).

For more information contact an Environmental Health Officer.