You're no longer able to run the sprinkler or water the garden in Saugeen Shores until further notice.
The town has declared a temporary watering ban for outdoor uses — such as lawn and garden watering and pool filling — due to a lack of rain and hot temperatures.
“At this time due to extreme water use, we are unable to keep the necessary level of treated drinking water in the reservoir,” a release from the Town explains.
A statement from the town explains the restriction is enforced through by-law 89-2001, which enables Saugeen Shores to impose a temporary total ban where deemed absolutely necessary.
Saugeen Shores town staff say water usage is approaching record levels and it's been verified a large portion is being used for lawn watering or other outdoor uses.
“On Tuesday, we used over 11,000 cubic metres of water in a single day, which means we are running the plant 24 hours per day,” says Saugeen Shores Director of Infrastructure and Development Services Amanda Froese. “This is costly and wears the equipment, but more importantly it really reduces the amount of treated drinking water we have available. We see the reservoir quickly emptying in the morning during lawn watering times.”
Residents are being asked to postpone pool filling and new sod contracts where permits from the Town are required for at least the next week, and preferably until after the lawn water ban is lifted.
Those connected to private watering systems, such as wells or sandpoints, are not impacted by the watering restrictions.
However, those not on the municipal system who do continue outdoor watering must display a “Watered by Sandpoint/Well” sign in a spot that is visible from the street.