Keep A Close Eye On Your Water Use

Friday, 5 June 2015 at 13:54

Oxford County Public Works are reminding the public of the Outdoor Water Conservation Program.

OXFORD COUNTY - Oxford County Public Works are reminding the public of the Outdoor Water Conservation Program.

The program asks residents with properties ending in even numbers to use external water on even calendar days between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The same is true of odd numbered homes, except on odd numbered calendar days. The effort is in effect from May 1st until September 30th.

Manager of Water Services Deborah Goudreau says the recent weather prompted them to remind residents about the importance of water conservation. "We were looking at potentially one of the driest springs on record. The Conservation Authorities are telling us we're at less than two-thirds of our normal rainfall for the last three months." Right now our water systems are faring well, but we could have cause to worry if this dry weather keeps up through the summer months.

Although Goudreau says their primary focus right now is education, if anyone is found contravening the by-law multiple times they could face serious consequences. "So on the first notice, you'll be getting a notice that just explains when you can water. For someone who consistently violates the bylaw we can have the water pressure to your property turned down which effectively means outdoor water use wouldn't be possible. You're sprinkler systems really wouldn't work. And then to have it turned back up to normal, there's a $75 fee for that."

External water includes watering your lawn, plants, or garden as well as washing your car.

Goudreau also recommends saving water indoors as much as possible. She also says its best not to water your lawn every time your allotted days come around - over watering your lawn promotes shallow growth and can make your lawn less able to survive drought situations.

For more information about the by-law visit oxfordcounty.ca/Portals/15/Documents/Water/Mass%20Mail%20NoticePermit.pdf

For water saving tips, visit oxfordcounty.ca/Services-for-You/Water-Wastewater/Drinking-water/Water-conservation