Water Conservation Bylaw

Newmarket's water conservation bylaw was enacted to help regulate water use within the Town and ensure sufficient supplies of water are on hand for emergency situations.

Through a set of standard watering restrictions that are in place year round, Newmarket has been able to maintain its water reserves for potential emergencies like fires while still meeting the needs of residents and homeowners.

Residents who live at even numbered addresses are requested to water only on even numbered days of the month, while those who live at odd numbered addresses water on odd days. Outdoor water use is only permitted between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

During periods of especially hot weather, York Region may provide municipalities with notice that a reduction in water usage is necessary. During this time, water advisories and bans come into effect.

Stage 1 - Water Advisory

• Residents are asked to voluntarily refrain from using municipal water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler or permanent irrigation system for the purposes of watering lawns and gardens, washing vehicles, boards, recreation vehicles, sidewalks, patios, decks, windows or driveways and filling swimming pools.

Stage 2 - Outdoor Water Use Ban

• Residents are not permitted to use municipal water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler or permanent irrigation system for the purposes of watering lawns and gardens, washing vehicles, boards, recreation vehicles, sidewalks, patios, decks, windows or driveways and filling swimming pools.

Stage 3 - Outdoor Water Use Ban

• Residents are not permitted to use municipal water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler or permanent irrigation system for any purposes whatsoever.

Several exemptions do apply during a Stage 1 Water Advisory and a Stage 2 Outdoor Water Use Ban. These include:

• Hand-held containers such as watering cans are permitted on days other than and including the designated watering day provided the watering takes placed between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Residents may water new trees or shrubs during installation for 24 hours following the planting.
• New sod or seed can be watered for up to one month following the planting between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Residents may refill a backyard residential swimming pool for maintaining the integrity of the filtering system during the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

No exemptions apply during a Stage 3 Water Use Ban.

For more information on the Water for Tomorrow program, or to learn about water conservation in the York Region, visit www.waterfortomorrow.com.

Water Conservation Bylaw