The TRIUMF dc optically pumped polarized H−ion source (OPPIS) produces a 200 &mgr;A dc H−current at 85% polarization within a normalized emittance (90%) of 0.8 &pgr; mm mrad, for operation at the TRIUMF cyclotron. As a result of development of the electron cyclotron resonance primary proton source, a 1.6 mA dc polarized H−current is produced within a normalized emittance of 2 &pgr; mm mrad, suitable for high energy accelerators. The OPPIS has also been developed for use in a parity nonconservation experiment which has very severe limits on permissible helicity‐ correlated changes in beam current and energy. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.