After a few weeks of hot and dry weather, the City of Guelph says it will be enforcing watering restrictions for Level 1 Yellow in its outdoor water use program.
It’s the second time this summer that the city has had to increase its restrictions due to the weather, the local river flows, the amount of water being used and how much the city is pumping through the system.
At Level 1 Yellow, residents can water their lawns between 7 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on odd or even calendar dates by address number — odd-numbered houses can water on odd-numbered dates and even-numbered houses on even dates.
“August has been hotter than average with low precipitation, and we’re seeing increased water use,” said Karen McKeown, the city’s outside water use program coordinator.
“The unusual dryness of late has reduced stream flows throughout the watershed, and the Grand River Conservation Authority has also called for people to reduce water use until pressure on the system eases this fall.”
Watering trees and flowers or food gardens, running sprinklers for children’s recreational use, and at-home car washing are still allowed.
At-home car washing can only be done using a hose with a shut–off nozzle or a bucket of water.
The city said officials will continue to monitor conditions and work with the Grand River Conservation Authority to decide whether more changes to watering restrictions are needed.
Residents can report a possible infraction at 519-837-2529 or fill out a report on the city’s website.
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