It’s that time of year!

Outdoor water use restrictions are in effect from May 15 to Sept. 30

It’s gardening season, which means you may be putting your green thumb to good use and by watering your flowers, plants and lawn. But water is a precious resource, so let’s conserve it when it’s in peak demand this time of year!

The City of Vaughan’s Water By-law 106-2022 (PDF) restricts outdoor water use annually from May 15 to Sept. 30. Watering of lawns and flowers is allowed on residential properties from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the following calendar days: 

• Even-numbered days for even-numbered street addresses.
• Odd-numbered days for odd-numbered street addresses.

Outdoor watering can be done at industrial, commercial and institutional properties between midnight and 7 a.m., for a maximum of three hours, on odd or even days based on the street address.

Automated sprinkler systems should be operated only during designated times. Exemptions are in place for specific businesses and functions. For example, freshly laid sod and newly planted shrubs and trees are exempt from these restrictions for a four-week period.

During times when water use needs to be further restricted due to low water reserves, it will be implemented in the following stages with notices provided to impacted addresses:

• Water Advisory: you will be asked to refrain from any outdoor water use.
• Outdoor Water Use Ban: the outdoor use of water will be prohibited, and those found violating the ban will be charged. The fine for a violation under the Water By-law 106-2022 (PDF) is $150.

More water conservation tips to try!

Adopting water conservation practices can save you money on your water and wastewater bill and help ensure an adequate supply of safe and reliable drinking water is available for future generations!

Here are three simple ways you can reduce water use:        

1. Conserve water
   • Limit showers to five minutes. Showers can waste 10 to 20 litres of water every minute.
   • Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
   • Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
   • Use a broom, not a hose, to clean your driveway and walkways.
   • Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering gardens.
   • Plant drought-resistant trees and plants. Many thrive with far less watering and maintenance than others.
   • Water your lawn or garden only when needed. Depending on the weather, time of year or type of plants or turf, you may only need to water once or twice weekly.

2. Protect your drinking water source

• Ensure chemicals, fertilizers, yard waste, food scraps and other materials do not enter catch basins. The water that enters Vaughan’s stormwater system through catch basins goes back into local creeks, rivers and lakes, such as Lake Ontario – the source of Vaughan’s drinking water.
• Everyday items, such as hygiene products, wipes and food waste should never be flushed or poured down toilets or drains. The City’s sanitary sewer system is not designed to dispose of anything beyond human waste, toilet paper and wastewater.
• Fats, oils and grease should be left to cool and scraped into the green bin for safe disposal. They don’t go down the drain!

3. Buy local

• Consider buying local, seasonal food and look for products made with less water. Not only is local food fresher and better for the environment, but when you eat local, you support local farms.
• Visit local farms and farmer’s markets. Visit York Farm Fresh for locations across York Region or download the York Farm Fresh Map. You can also visit Greenbelt fresh or Ontario fresh to find local food in Ontario.
• Look for the Foodland Ontario logo when shopping at grocery stores.
• View the City's local food postcard for quick tips about buying local food and information about agriculture in Vaughan.

Want to find out how much water is used daily in your household? Use this online water calculator – you may be surprised by the results! For more tips on reducing your water use, visit the City’s Water Conservation webpage or read the City’s water-wise brochure (PDF).

To learn more about the City’s water services, visit vaughan.ca/water.

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