Why does the Region have a Program to monitor outdoor water use?
During the hot summer months, water consumption can increase by 50%.
Despite the increase in demand for water, there are limits to both the amount of potable water any given treatment plan can produce and the amount of water the Region is permitted to take from any given water source.
The Region may enforce outdoor water use restrictions to make sure there is enough water for emergency and essential services, such as firefighting and flushing the drinking water system.
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What does the Program do?
The Outdoor Water Use Program monitors:
- The Region's drinking water systems. Specifically, the amount of water being produced and delivered from the Water Purification Plants.
- Source water levels.
- Risk factors that strain our supply of potable water (i.e. weather patterns).
When certain indicators show that our water system is stressed the Region will issue a change in restriction level.
Depending on the current restriction level in effect, residents may be asked to reduce or stop outdoor water activities, until water levels are higher again.
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How does the Region decide what level should be in effect?
Halton Region has a set of criteria for changing between levels.
The criteria includes:
- Water production rates.
- Daily reservoir levels.
- Aquifer levels.
- Weather patterns.
Regional staff monitor conditions on a daily basis. When preset levels for the different criteria are reached, the process of changing from one restriction level to another begins.
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Restriction Levels of the Program
Level 1 - Blue - Careful Use
- Voluntary odd and even day lawn-watering in effect.
- No serious shortage at this level.
- Voluntary reduction of outdoor water use.
Level 2 - Yellow - Limited Use
- Mandatory odd and even day lawn-watering in effect.
- Reservoir levels have decreaed to 75% capacity.
- Enforcement increases at this level.
Level 3 - Red - Reduce & Stop
- All lawn & garden watering is no longer allowed.
- Reservoir levels are as low as 55%.
- Stop all non-essential outdoor watering.
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Activity Table
The activity table outlines acceptable outdoor watering activities based on the restrictions of Halton Region's Outdoor Water Use Program. Outdoor water use activities are listed in the far left column. Permitted and non-permitted uses, during each restriction level, are listed beside.
| Activity |
Level 1: Careful Use |
Level 2: Limited Use |
Level 3: Reduce & Stop |
| Watering Lawn
|
Voluntary
Odd house number: Only on odd calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm.
Even house number: Only on even calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm.
|
Mandatory
Odd house number: Only on odd calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm.
Even house number: Only on even calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm. |
Not Allowed |
| Watering Newly Planted Sod or Seed |
Allowed as needed until sod has been established.
Regular lawn watering rules apply thereafter. |
Allowed as needed until sod has been established.
Regular lawn watering rules apply thereafter. |
Allowed as needed until sod has been established.
Regular lawn watering rules apply thereafter.
|
Watering Trees, Shrubs, Flowers or Gardens
|
Allowed |
By hand held watering device only (i.e. watering can, bucket). |
By hand held watering device only (i.e. watering can, bucket).
Odd house number: Only on odd calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm.
Even house number: Only on even calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm. |
Recreational Sprinklers and Splash Pads for Children
|
Allowed |
Allowed |
Allowed |
| Recreational Sports Fields |
Allowed |
Allowed |
Not Allowed |
Filling Residential Swimming and Wading Pools, Hot Tubs, Garden Ponds or Fountains
|
Allowed |
Allowed |
Odd/Even Filling Only
Odd house number: Only on odd calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm.
Even house number: Only on even calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm. |
Decorative Fountains
|
Must re-circulate water.
|
Must re-circulate water. |
Must re-circulate water. |
| Washing Cars (residential) or Exterior of Building (i.e. home, shed) |
Allowed |
Odd house number: Only on odd calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm.
Even house number: Only on even calendar days between 6-9am & 6-9pm. |
Not Allowed |
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How the Program is Governed
Halton asks residents for their cooperation with the Outdoor Water Use Program.
Non-compliance during restrictions may result in a fine. Set Fines for Water Works By-law Offences
49KB.
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Water Works By-Law
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