Water restrictions

Reasons for water 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 (ex. 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:

• Flooding backyard ice rinks
  
• Watering 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 e​ven 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.