Every summer it’s the same question across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the townships of Wilmot, Woolwich, Wellesley, and North Dumfries: is today my day to water the lawn and gardens? The Region of Waterloo’s Water Conservation By-law runs from May 31 to September 30 each year and applies to everyone on municipal water. Here’s a quick refresher so you stay onside.
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Your Watering Day Depends on Your Address
Lawn watering with a sprinkler is limited to once a week, and your day is set by the last digit of your street address: If you need to water your lawn, follow the assigned weekday carefully.
- 0 or 1 – Monday
- 2 or 3 – Tuesday
- 4 or 5 – Wednesday
- 6 or 7 – Thursday
- 8 or 9 – Friday
On your assigned day, watering is only permitted between 5:30 and 10 a.m. and/or 7 and 11 p.m. — the cooler hours when less is lost to evaporation. This ensures your lawn gets water in the most efficient way possible.
On a Private Well?
Many rural properties in the townships draw from private wells rather than municipal supply. If that’s you, the schedule doesn’t apply — you can water any time you like, whether that’s for the lawn or your garden. Everyone else across the Region follows their assigned days and hours.
Gardens, Trees, and Shrubs Are Different
Beds get more flexibility. Trees, shrubs, and gardens can be watered every other day — odd addresses on odd calendar dates, even on even — during those same windows. Watering by hand with a can, bucket, or rain barrel is allowed anytime. However, using a hose to water your lawn still requires following assigned times.
New Sod or Grass Seed?
Reseeding or laying fresh sod? Apply to the Region for a temporary watering permit to help it establish. This is the exception when you may need to water the lawn outside typical restrictions. Each property qualifies for one per season.
Thinking About a Move?
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious what your home is worth in today’s market, the My Home in KW team knows every corner of the Region — cities and townships alike. Get in touch with us today.