Make sure water is there when needed

Every summer, outdoor activities such as watering lawns and gardens nearly doubles water demand, putting our drinking and emergency water supplies at risk. 

Follow your local Outdoor Water-Use bylaw to make sure your community has enough water supply for emergency services, such as firefighting. The bylaw is in effect across York Region from May 15 to September 30 every year, unless otherwise stated. 

Your local Outdoor Water-Use bylaw details the day and time you can use water outdoors (for example, a garden hose connected to a tap). The bylaw applies to in-ground irrigation systems, sprinklers, and using water to fill or top up pools and washing decks, driveways, vehicles, windows and more.

Here are five water-saving tips to follow this summer: 

• Turn sprinklers and in-ground irrigation systems off when it’s raining
• Water your lawn only once a week – an established lawn only needs 2 to 3 centimetres of water per week 
• Hire a Water Smart irrigation professional to ensure your sprinkler system is running efficiently
• Install a rain barrel as a water source for plants 
• Sweep your driveway or deck instead of using a hose

Learn more at york.ca/OutdoorWaterUse or visit your city or town’s website for local bylaw details.