Water use can increase as much as 40% in summer and early fall, for services such as community splash pads, growing food, maintaining Sports fields and other social and community uses.
During this time, residential water use also increases to water lawns and gardens, to wash decks, vehicles or driveways and other lower-priority uses.
Township water use restrictions are an effective way to help residents use drinking water wisely.
These restrictions are regulated through Bylaw 2006-080 which defines the days and times that outdoor water use is allowed.
Outdoor water use is only permitted between 5am to 7pm and 7pm to 10pm.
Even house numbers (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8) are allowed outdoor water use on even calendar days.
Odd house numbers (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) are allowed outdoor water use on odd calendar days.
These restrictions also apply to automated irrigation and sprinkler systems.
The following tips will help you grow a healthy lawn and garden that will reduce water use and the ability to cope with periods of drought.
Lawns
Healthy lawns require about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week, including rainfall.
Long grass will protect roots from the sun, keep soil moist and reduce weed growth. Cut grass when it is dry and leave it 9 cm (3 inches) long.
A healthy lawn has deep root growth. Long grass and fertilizer application twice yearly helps develop deep root growth. Overwatering and frequent application of fertilizer can cause a lawn to grow too fast and cause shallow root growth.
A healthy lawn can survive several weeks in a dormant state. A lawn may turn brown during hot, dry spells. It’s in a dormant state and will green up again when wetter, cooler weather returns.
Gardens
Use of native plants and drought resistant plants that thrive in Ontario’s climate.
Develop a garden which intercepts and collects rain water. Rain barrels and rain gardens help collect rain water for use in gardens rather than to run off into storm sewers.
Apply mulch. A 50 mm (2”) deep layer of mulch helps protect roots from the sun, keeps soil moist and reduces weed growth.
Grow plants with similar water needs together. Grouping plants by their sunlight and moisture needs, will help over (or under) watering.
For more information please visit www.centrewellington.ca/waterrestrictions
