York Region asks residents to reduce outdoor water use

 

NEWMARKET - The Regional Municipality of York is asking residents and businesses across York Region to practice water conservation by limiting outdoor water usage during recent hot, dry weather conditions.

 

Residents and businesses are asked to follow their local municipal outdoor water use bylaws, and avoid heavy water use activities such as car washing, lawn watering and washing their driveways.

 

Typically, during hot, dry weather periods, water consumption by residents and businesses greatly increases, putting a strain on water supply systems.  Residents can reduce water consumption by following these tips:

 

·         Refrain from heavy lawn watering. Lawns only need 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water. Less frequent watering will encourage grass to set deeper roots, where more moisture and nutrients are found.

·         To prevent evaporation, water your lawn late in the evening or early in the morning.

·         When cutting your lawn, leave the grass at least 8 cm (3 inches) long to provide shade for the roots.

·         Leave grass clippings on the lawn to increase organic matter. Grass is 80% water and readily decomposes.

·         If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge and rinse quickly using a spray nozzle. Better still, go to a car wash – it’s more environmentally friendly.

·         Don’t overfill swimming pools. Fill it to 15 to 20 cm (7 to 8 inches) from the top, and cover to prevent evaporation.

 

York Region officials constantly monitor outdoor water usage, and recommend to local municipalities when a water advisory or ban is necessary to maintain adequate water levels to deal with emergencies.  Enforcement of water use by-laws is performed by each individual municipality.

 

Outdoor water throughout most of northern York Region is supplied through groundwater aquifers, while the southern part of York Region is supplied with Lake Ontario water from the City of Toronto water system. Georgina is supplied with water from Lake Simcoe.

 

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, the services we offer and links to our nine area municipalities, please visit our Web site at: www.york.ca.

 

-30-

Media Contact:  Michael Kemp, Corporate Communications, York Region

- (905) 830-4444 or 1-877-464-9675, ext. 1232

- Email: michael.kemp@york.ca