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Water use restrictions

Water restrictions are implemented when water demand exceeds the capacity of the local treated water supply.

This can happen for a number of reasons:

  • Extended periods of hot, dry weather.
  • Poor raw water quality (for example, due to major rain storm).
  • Contamination of the water source.
  • Unexpected malfunction of a major system resulting in a sudden shortage of water supply.

Non-essential water use

During this time, water should be deferred (except for human consumption).

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Washing vehicles, driveways and home exteriors
  • Filling a Jacuzzi, hot tub or swimming pool
  • Parks watering
  • Fleet vehicle washing
  • Irrigation​

Water use restrictions

Water restrictions are implemented when water demand exceeds the capacity of the local treated water supply.

This can happen for a number of reasons:

  • Extended periods of hot, dry weather.
  • Poor raw water quality (for example, due to major rain storm).
  • Contamination of the water source.
  • Unexpected malfunction of a major system resulting in a sudden shortage of water supply.

Non-essential water use

During this time, water should be deferred (except for human consumption).

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Lawns, gardens, trees or shrubs
  • Washing vehicles, driveways and home exteriors
  • Filling a Jacuzzi, hot tub or swimming pool
  • Parks watering
  • Fleet vehicle washing
  • Irrigation​

Residents are encouraged to follow an alternate day lawn water schedule:

  • If your home address is an even number, only water on even-numered days
  • If your home address is an odd number, only water on odd-numered days

Regular lawn requirements are only 2.5 cm of water per week, equal to 1 hour of watering per week.​​​​

​

Customers will begin following Stage 2 watering restrictions. W​e are taking proactive water conservation measures to ensure water demands for essential household use, fire protection, maintenance of reservoir levels, irrigation purposes and environmental flows as we prepare for a dry summer ahead.​​

The watering restrictions regulation has 4 stages and may escalate based on water conservation needs. ​ View other Water Conservation Tips for the rest of your home.

To report watering restriction violations or for more information, please contact us.​​​​​
​

​Stage 1 restrictions

When

​Effective Date ​ ​April and October
​​Sprinkling times ​ ​ ​Between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. ​ ​
​​Frequency ​Any day ​

How

​Pop-up spray, rotors and sprinklers ​ ​Only during permitted times ​
​Hand-watering (trees, shrubs, vegetables) ​ ​ ​Anytime  ​ ​
​​Micro and drip irrigation ​ ​Anytime

What

Lawns Permitted during sprinkling times
​Ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees​ Permitted during sprinkling times ​
​Vegetable gardens or fruit trees ​Anytime
​Vehicles, boats, houses​ ​Only with hose with shut off device
​Sidewalks or driveways​ ​​Anytime (advised to use a broom)
​Fountains, pools or hot tubs​ ​Anytime​
​New lawn permits ​Can apply for a permit

​Stage 2 restrictions

When

​Effective Date ​ ​May 1 until October 1
​​Sprinkling times ​ ​ ​7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
For a maximum of 2 hours
​​Frequency ​Every other day
Even # houses: even calendar days
Odd # houses: odd calendar days

How

​Pop-up spray, rotors and sprinklers ​ ​Only during permitted times ​
​Hand-watering (trees, shrubs, vegetables) ​ ​ ​Anytime
​​Micro and drip irrigation ​ ​Anytime

What

Lawns Permitted during sprinkling times / days
​Ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees​ Permitted during sprinkling times ​/ days
​Vegetable gardens or fruit trees ​Anytime
​Vehicles, boats, houses​ ​Only with hose shut off device
​Sidewalks or driveways​ ​​Anytime (advised to use a broom)
​Fountains, pools or hot tubs​ ​Anytime​
​New lawn permits ​Can apply for a permit

​Stage 3 restrictions

  • Voluntary reductions on top of Stage 2: implemented as required, prior to enforced lawn watering ban.

​Stage 4 restrictions

When

​Effective Date ​ ​As required
​​Sprinkling times ​ ​ Sprinkling ban: lawn watering not permitted 
​​Frequency ​Sprinkling ban: lawn watering not permitted 

How

​Pop-up spray, rotors and sprinklers ​ ​Not permitted ​
​Hand-watering (trees, shrubs, vegetables) ​ ​ Only between ​7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
​​Micro and drip irrigation ​ Only between ​​7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

What

Lawns Not permitted
​Ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees​ Only with drip or hand watering
​Vegetable gardens or fruit trees ​Anytime
​Vehicles, boats, houses​ ​Not permitted (only exception is for safety)
​Sidewalks or driveways​ Only prior to application of paint, preservative, stucco or sealant
​Fountains, pools or hot tubs​ Not permitted
​New lawn permits ​No permits issued

Exemptions

  • Nurseries, turf farms, tree farms
  • Essential municipal infrastructure (i.e. select playing fields)
  • Car dealerships, car washes
  • Other commercial enterprises which require water use to facilitate normal business activities: (e.g. power washing companies, window washing companies etc.)

Definitions

  • Micro and Drip Irrigation: Delivers water to the root zone of the plants and uses less than 20 gallons per hour at less than 25 psi.
  • Hand-watering: Delivering water by hose with spring-loaded nozzle shut-off device or hand-held container.

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