Limits are established by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on how much water can be drawn from lakes or from aquifers. These limits are determined by average levels of consumption by communities. Municipalities cannot exceed the limits determined by the MOE without being subjected to potential charges under the Safe Drinking Water Act. During times of hot, dry weather, when water demand doubles or triples, the demand can exceed supply, dropping reservoir levels to the point where no extra water is available for emergencies (such as fire fighting).

If public demand for water exceeds York Region’s capacity to supply it, the region – in consultation with affected local municipalities – will institute a Water Ban to ensure that there is an adequate supply of water to handle emergencies (i.e. fires). A Water Ban prohibits the use of outdoor watering.

No. A ban does not mean that the source of water has been depleted. Put simply, a ban is called when water demand exceeds York Region’s ability to supply homes and businesses; whether the limitation is the amount of water the region is licensed to take (by the MOE) or by how much the water treatment facilities can draw, treat, store and distribute.

You can help by following Newmarket’s Water Conservation Bylaw. If you live at an odd numbered address water only on odd numbered days of the month. If you live at an even numbered address, water only on even days. Residents are only able to water outdoors between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Remember, your lawn only needs one inch of water per week to stay healthy.