Region of Waterloo Water Conservation

The Region of Waterloo's Water Conservation By-law 07-069 is in effect May 31 to September 30.

Before the by-law, water use would increase up to 50 per cent during the summer months. This increased water use put more strain on the water supply and distribution system. 

Using water outdoors – like for lawns, gardens, pools or washing cars – can increase water use. The outdoor water use schedules in the by-law spread water use throughout the week. This helps ensure we have enough water for everyone's needs and it protects our water system. Follow the by-law and include these tips for using water wisely outdoors this summer. 

Find your outdoor water use times

The last number of your address determines which days you can use municipal water outdoors while the by-law is in effect. You can only use water from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m. on your assigned day.

Once-a-week lawn watering schedule

You can water your lawn once a week on your assigned day between 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m. 

If your address ends in:

• 0 or 1 water lawns on Monday
• 2 or 3 water lawns on Tuesday
• 4 or 5 water lawns on Wednesday
• 6 or 7 water lawns on Thursday
• 8 or 9 water lawns on Friday

Alternate-day other water use schedule

You can use water on alternate days between 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m. for activities connecting to municipal water supply including:

• watering gardens, trees, shrubs and outdoor plants
• washing vehicles
• topping up permanent residential pools

If you address end in:

• 1,3,5,7,9 you can use water on odd-numbered dates.
  For example, if your address is 205 you can water on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.
• 0,2,4,6,8 you can use water on even-numbered dates.
  For example, if your address is 1078 you can water on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.

Hand-held watering cans or buckets can be filled with water from your tap or rain barrel anytime.

View the Region of Waterloo website for additional information.