Water restrictions easing in Carleton Place, Ont.

A Carleton Place, Ont. resident wraps up a hose. (Camille Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)

The Town of Carleton Place has lifted some of its restrictions on water use.

After more than a week of residents and businesses being asked not to water lawns and gardens and limit other non-essential uses, the town said Friday it was easing some of those demands, while still asking people to conserve water.

“The demand at the water treatment plant has decreased to the Yellow – Conserve level, which indicates that water usage is higher than normal, but not at critical levels. Please continue to use our water wisely and conserve it where possible,” the town said in an update Friday morning.

The water level has been in the Red – Limit status since July 15, at the height of a lengthy heatwave in the region. While no formal bans were put in place, the town asked residents to refrain from using sprinklers for lawns and gardens and to not wash their cars outdoors.

Under the Yellow – Conserve level, there are no specific demands, but the town suggests people still try to avoid unnecessary watering, such as on pavement, and to water lawns and gardens when the sun is low to minimize evaporation.

Currently, lawn watering is only permitted between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.  Starting Aug. 1, residents will also be allowed to water lawns between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Other suggestions to conserve water include choosing drought resistant plants and trees for yards and gardens, mulching to help retain moisture, and setting the lawnmower higher to avoid drying out the grass.

“Consider harvesting water with rain barrels to use in planters and in the garden,” the town says.

Carleton Place has a rain barrel rebate program, offering $40 back on the purchase of a rain barrel or composter. After purchasing the rain barrel and/or composter, residents can complete and submit the rebate form located on the town’s website to apply for the rebate.

Mayor Toby Randell said earlier this month work is underway to increase the size and scope of both water and wastewater plants to keep up with the town’s growth.

“Even with this increase we would still potentially have bans in the summer due to our license with the province to draw water out of the Mississippi,” he said.

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