The Grand River Conservation Authority has moved to normal conditions Level 0 - no wasting of Municipal Water
The Township of Guelph/Eramosa municipal water system has a water supply that relies heavily upon the use of groundwater. As a result, the Township has established outside water use restrictions to balance demand with the available water supply. Restrictions are in place for residents using the Municipal Water Supply.
The Grand River Conservation Authority has moved into the Level 0 water advisory throughout the watershed, including the Township.
These are the main outside watering restrictions for Levels 0-3 for properties supplied by a municipal water system under By-law 95/2015.
Level 0 - no wasting of municipal water
- Do not, during a rain storm, permit a Watering Device to run water for the purpose of irrigation;
- Do not permit water to pool on or around or run off from any lawn, boulevard, sports field, tree, shrub, flower, vegetable plant, or other outside plant;
- Do not direct water into a paved surface, including driveways, pathways, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, or roadways during the irrigation of any lawn, boulevard, sports field, tree, shrub, flower, vegetable plant, or other outside plant;
- Do not operate or cause to operate a decorative fountain or garden pond without water circulation;
- Do not wash a vehicle or the outside of a building with the use of a hose not equipped with a shut-off valve at the discharge end of the hose;
- Do not use flowing water instead of dry sweeping to remove loose debris from a driveway on Residential Zoned property, unless failure to do so would cause permanent damage or lead to an unsafe condition.
Level 1 - careful use
- Watering lawns/gardens and washing vehicles – permitted on alternate days:
- Mornings and evenings only (6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 6:00pm – 9:00 p.m.)
- Even Numbered Addresses on Even Numbered Calendar Days
- Odd Numbered Addresses on Odd Numbered Calendar Days.
Level 2 – Reduce and Stop Non-Essential Uses
- Washing Vehicles – NOT PERMITTED
- Lawn and Boulevard Watering:
- Mornings and evenings only (6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 6:00pm – 9:00 p.m.)
- Even Numbered Addresses on Even Numbered Calendar Days
- Odd Numbered Addresses on Odd Numbered Calendar Days.
- Garden Watering:
- Hand watering devices must be used to water any outdoor plant, flower, tree, shrub, or garden.
Level 3 – Further Reduce and Stop Non-Essential Uses
- Outside water use is not permitted during Level 3. This includes: watering the lawn or garden, washing vehicles, using sprinklers or filling swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds and fountains.
Tips for Conserving Water
- Lawns typically need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Set an empty container or rain gauge near the sprinkler to measure the amount of water used. Stop watering when the container is one inch full. Lawns can only absorb water as quickly as the soil allows.
- It's better to water your lawn for three 10-minute sessions, with each session a half-hour apart, rather than to water steadily for 30 minutes and cause run-off.
- Use a kitchen timer as a reminder to turn sprinklers off.
New Lawn Permit
A new lawn permit can be obtained from the Public Works Department at the Township Office during Levels 1 to 3. A $20.00 administration fee will apply.
For more information, please call 519-856-9596 ext. 122.
Enforcement
These restrictions will be enforced by the Director of Public Works and the Township By-Law Enforcement Officer. You can view the By-law in its entirety along with the set fines for offences on our website at www.get.on.ca or request a copy from the Township Office.
Further Information
For further information on the Township’s outside water use restrictions, please contact the Water/Wastewater Department at 519-856-9596 ext. 122.
Click here for more information on the Grand River Low Water Response