Seasonal watering restrictions go into effect annually on June 15. Until September 15, residents and businesses with odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered days, while evens may water on even-numbered days.

The City of Kingston’s Water By-law allows residents and businesses to:

•    Use a hand-held hose, can or bucket any time on their scheduled day
•    Use a sprinkler between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on their scheduled day
•    Use water from their rain barrel anytime!

Water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is built to handle peak demand times. During the summer, we use the most treated water from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reducing the use of treated water during times when the demand is highest helps ensure a reliable supply for adequate water reserves and pressure and fire protection. It also helps manage the need to expand water treatment infrastructure.

Reducing outdoor water use also reduces the pollutants that end up in the lake. This is because much of the water from sprinklers and hoses (such as, from washing cars) runs off into the storm sewer, picking up pollutants that end up in Lake Ontario, Kingston's source of drinking water. 

Residents and businesses are encouraged to practice water-wise gardening to make every raindrop count. Using a rain barrel, following best watering practices, amending soil with organic content, and incorporating drought-tolerant plants are just some of the sustainable practices that help reduce treated water use – all with beautiful results. (Please note, due to the pandemic, Utilities Kingston is not offering rain barrels for sale this year.)

For inspiration and information, visit our online water conservation gardening resources. Our conservation team is here to help, just call 613-546-0000 and ask to speak with Utilities Kingston conservation.

Sometimes new yards, shrubs and trees need water at times outside the schedule and that's why Utilities Kingston offers exemption permits: apply online.

Visit our summer water use page to learn more about exemption permits, how to save water and money, and when you can use outdoor treated water. The web resource is complete with a dynamic indicator that explains when residents and businesses can use hoses versus sprinkling devices, as well as many resources on water-wise gardening.