The Town of The Blue Mountains has advised residents that watering restrictions came into effect on June 1 and will remain in place until September 1, 2023.
- Properties with odd-numbered addresses can water on odd-numbered calendar days between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Properties with even-numbered addresses can water on even-numbered calendar days between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The restrictions apply to outdoor use of water. If there is a discrepancy regarding your property address, please contact (519) 599-3131 ext. 285 for assistance.
The restrictions are a necessary measure during the summer months to ensure that water capacity remains sufficient to meet peak demand during busy weekends or in the event of an emergency. Under the town’s bylaw, “outdoor use of water” includes watering of existing lawns and gardens. At any time, residents are permitted to water using a watering can and may wash a vehicle using a hand-held hose with a shut-off valve. Those who water their lawns and are connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system will pay for the related sewer charges.
A reminder to homeowners, designers and installers of lawn sprinkler or irrigation systems that backflow protection must be installed and tested as required under the current edition of B64.10 standard and referenced in the Ontario Building Code. Additionally, all water supplied to a property within the town shall pass through the water meter supplied by the town for use upon such property. Any unmetered water use is prohibited under bylaw 2008-02. Unauthorized use of water will be subject to fines and will be strictly enforced.
Residents should water only when necessary and according to the town’s water use restriction guidelines.
A brown lawn doesn’t always indicate a dead lawn. Brown lawns can recover their green colour after rainfall or cooler weather.
- Avoid frequent watering. Watering too often can cause turf to develop shallow roots
- Promote a healthy lawn by aerating and mowing no shorter than 7.5 cm
- If most of the lawn looks green, only water the dry spots
- When reseeding or planting, consider drought-resistant grasses, which are often more resistant to insects and disease
- Use a rain barrel
- Program irrigation systems to water deeply but infrequently and within water use restriction guidelines
- Leave grass clippings on your lawn after mowing
- Check for leaks in your garden hose
