Restrictions for outdoor water use begin today

York Region bylaw limits homes to only use outdoor water on even or odd days, matching your house number

Newmarkettoday.ca
July 12, 2022

With the dog days of summer upon us, York Region is reminding you to pay attention to how you use water outdoors.

The region’s outdoor water-use bylaw is now in effect, the municipality announced July 11. The bylaw limits how often residents can use water outdoors to help maintain the system during a time of high demand.

“Every summer, outdoor activities such as watering lawns and gardens nearly double water demand, which can put our drinking and emergency water supplies at risk,” the region said in a news release.

The bylaw limits homes to only use outdoor water on even or odd days, matching your house number. If your house number is even, like 24, you can only use outdoor watering on even days of the month (2, 4, 6, etc..).

In Newmarket, outdoor water use is only allowed between 6 and 10 a.m, and 6 to 10 p.m. on odd/even days, with a one-month grace period for new sod and seed. Although York Region’s bylaw runs from May 15 to Sept. 30, Newmarket’s bylaw is year-round.

The bylaw applies to watering lawns and gardens, filling up pools, washing decks, driveways, and vehicles and more.

You should make efforts to save on outdoor water usage, the region said. It recommends checking for water leaks, installing a rain barrel, sweeping your driveway or deck instead of hosing it, and only watering your lawn once a week if it hasn’t rained.

“Make sure water is there when we need it,” the region said.

You can find more details and water-saving tips at york.ca/outdoorwateruse.