Did you know that lawn watering is one of the biggest users of municipal water in our community? Last year, about 250 million litres of water was used on Oxford County lawns and gardens.
Hot, dry weather can push Oxford County's water systems to their limit. If everyone cuts back a little now, we can help avoid watering bans in our communities.
What does your community use?
The Current Water Usage graph (right) shows the status of water reserves in communities across Oxford County:
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Enough water in reserves to meet basic needs, but help conserve by only watering outdoors when it's needed |
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Using more water than usual: cut back on outdoor water use to avoid strain on water reserves |
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Water shortages are a risk: must limit outdoor water use so water is there for basic needs and firefighting use |
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
- Properties with street numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 may use water on even days of the calendar from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Properties with street numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 may use water on odd days of the calendar from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL
- Properties with street numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 may apply water on even days of the calendar from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Properties with street numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 may apply water on odd days of the calendar from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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How much water do you need?
The County of Oxford's water conservation program runs May 1 to September 30 each year. These are guidelines for when you can water-- they aren't intended to promote watering during each and every one of those time periods throughout the summer. A healthy lawn can be maintained with one thorough watering a week.
Worried about a brown lawn? Remember, a brown lawn isn’t always a dead lawn. In hot, dry weather, a brown lawn may be dormant and will recover its green colour after rainfall and cooler weather. Dormant lawns can survive up to six weeks as long as you control foot traffic and pests.
Lawn and garden tips
More about lawn and garden care
Water-efficient landscaping booklet - Ontario Clean Water Agency
Water-wise gardens - Region of Peel