Fire Hydrant Flow Test Permit
All hydrant flow tests are arranged by the Environmental Services (ES) Department and only the ES operations staff may operate Markham hydrants.
Fire hydrant flow tests are available between April 15 and November 15, weather permitting.
A property owner, consultant or certified contractor 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.
Due to COVID-19, applications and payments are only accepted online at this time.
Apply and pay online
Online application and payment must be made at least five business days in advance of the desired flow test date. Payment must be made by credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Once you submit your online application, you will receive a receipt by email, the permit(s), and the Customer Service Request (CSR) number(s).
Information needed to apply
- Contact name, email, address and telephone number
- Location(s) of the hydrant(s)
- Date of the flow test(s)
Fees
The fee for a Fire Hydrant Flow Test permit is approved by the City Council annually. The fee for 2021 is $226.11.
Process Following Online Application
Step 1: Book hydrant turn on and off appointment
Appointments can be made between 8 AM and 3 PM, Monday to Friday. Please contact at 905.477.7000 extension 6220.
ES Operations & Maintenance 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
Due to COVID-19, there are important health and safety precautions, which must be taken by both the City staff and the permit holder (or representative) in order to turn on the fire hydrant.
If you require to cancel or reschedule the appointment, please contact waterworks@markham.ca or call the Environmental Services Department at 905.477.7000 extension 6220.
The following steps will be taken at the fire hydrant:
- Permit holder, must physically distance from City staff at all times by keeping 2 meters (6 feet) away.
- City of Markham staff will wear facemasks and gloves.
- Certified contractor will connect the test device and fittings to the hydrant.
- Once the city staff 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.
- The company or the contractor requesting the flow test must provide all fire hydrant flow test equipment, except the hydrant wrench.
- If the company/contractor is requesting to use multiple hydrants to perform their test, they must bring adequate staff to complete and record the results.
Please note: It is mandatory to email back a copy of the results of the fire flow test to waterworks@markham.ca.