As our hot and dry summer weather continues, the Regional Municipality of York is reminding residents outdoor water-use bylaws are now in effect.
Houses with odd numbers may only use water outdoors on odd numbered days of the month and even house numbers may only use water outdoors on even numbered days of the month. For example, if your house number is 24, an even number, you can water on even days like 2, 4, 6.
Time of day for watering varies between cities and towns. Newly planted trees and shrubs can be watered for a period of 24 hours after planting. Sod and seed watering details vary between municipalities.
In Newmarket:
- Outdoor water use is allowed 6 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. on odd/even days
- One-month grace period for new sod and seed
- Water-use bylaw is in effect all year round.
Outdoor activities such as watering lawns and gardens are responsible for water demand nearly doubling during the summer months, placing increased pressure on infrastructure.
Pumping stations need to continually draw on surface and groundwater that needs to be treated before it is distributed to our towns and cities. When water use becomes excessive, the supply for essential emergency services is threatened.
The outdoor water-use bylaws are in place to ensure towns and cities have enough water to meet normal daily demand and for emergencies. The bylaw limits the times and dates residents can use municipal water to water their lawns and gardens.
Unless otherwise stated, the outdoor water-use bylaws are in effect to Sept. 30 every year.
Details for each town and city bylaw may be found on york.ca/outdoorwateruse
