Guelph increases water restriction level due to dry weather

Watering lawn in summer. (Shutterstock)

The City of Guelph is asking residents to reduce their water usage due to a spate of warm, dry weather.

According to a news release on Thursday, the city has updated watering restrictions from ‘level 0 blue’ to ‘level 1 yellow.’

Although there are no additional restrictions due to the change, residents could face higher fines for violating the rules. At the yellow level, fines can be as much as $350.

Under the city’s outdoor water use protocols, residents can water their lawn between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. or between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Those living at even numbered homes can water on even-numbered days, while odd-numbered households can water on odd-numbered days.

Residents can still wash their car, water gardens, fill swimming pools and run sprinklers for children.

The city moves to the yellow level when there is less rain, flow rates are low or there are low water storage levels.