Waterloo Region brings back water conservation rules for the summer

A sprinkler spraying water on a lawn. (Q. Hung Pham/Pexels)

The Region of Waterloo is encouraging residents to water their lawn only one day a week.

“With a hot and dry summer in the forecast, the annual Water Conservation Bylaw is back,” a media release said. “It prevents everyone from using water at the same time, which helps ensure a steady supply throughout the summer.”

Days are assigned by home address.

• If it ends with 0 or 1, lawn watering is permitted on Mondays
• If it ends with 2 or 3, lawn watering is permitted on Tuesday
• If it ends with 4 or 5, lawn watering is permitted on Wednesday
• If it ends with 6 or 7, lawn watering is permitted on Thursday
• If it ends with 8 or 9, lawn watering is permitted on Friday

On their designated day, residents can turn on the taps from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Other uses

Gardens, on the hand, need to be watered much more frequently.

As such, watering is permitted every other day, also from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Addresses that end with an odd number (1,3,5,7,9) can do it on odd-numbered days, while addresses ending with an even number (0,2,4,6,8) can do it on even-numbered days.

The same rules apply for anyone washing a vehicle or filling up their backyard pool.

What else you need to know

Homeowners can request a change to their designated watering day. That information can be found here.

The bylaw begins on Sunday, May 31 for all homes, businesses, organizations and institutions.

The rules remain in effect until Wednesday, Sept. 30.

For more on water conservation efforts, visit the region’s website.