Watering restrictions start June 15
With recent heavy and frequent rain falls, residents may not be thinking about watering lawns and gardens. But, with drier months ahead, we want the community to be aware that seasonal watering restrictions are in effect from June 15 to Sept. 15. Residents and businesses with odd-numbered civic 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:
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Use a hand-held hose, can or bucket any time on their scheduled day.
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Use a sprinkler between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on their scheduled day.
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Use water from their rain barrel anytime!
Why watering restrictions?
Abiding by watering restrictions is an important community effort that helps ensure adequate supply for fire protection, and we thank you.
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 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.
Water-wise gardening and landscaping practices
Residents and businesses are encouraged to practice water-wise gardening to make every rain drop 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.
For inspiration and information, take a free, guided tour of our Water Conservation Garden at 1211 John Counter Blvd., or check out our online resources located on our Water Conservation Garden webpage. Our conservation team is here to help, just call 613-546-0000, press ‘2’ for Utilities Kingston and then ‘4’ for conservation.
Excemption permits
Sometimes new yards, shrubs and trees need water at times outside the schedule and that's why we offer exemption permits.
Permits cost $55 plus applicable taxes and are issued by Utilities Kingston. Apply for a permit online.
More information
To learn more about how to save water and money and when you can use outdoor treated water visit our Summer Water Use Restrictions webpage. This 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. Customer service is available Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM by calling 613-546-0000.