Water Conservation

• Check regularly for and repair any leaky faucets or toilets. One drop per second wastes about 10,000 litres of water per year.
• Buy water-efficient appliances and fixtures; look for the WaterSense symbol. 
• Install ultra-low-flow shower heads, low-flow dual flush toilets, and low-flow faucet aerators.
• Don't let the water run when brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
• Only use the washing machine and dishwasher when they are fully loaded, using eco-wash or light water modes.
• Investing in a front-loading model when replacing your old washing machine.
• Use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand — dishwashers are actually more water-efficient than hand washing.
• Use a water conservation calculator such as Home Water Works to estimate your water use, learn how you compare to the average usage, and get a plan to help you use less.
• Purchase recycled or second-hand goods and repurpose or recycle things when you are done with them. Water is heavily used in the production of material goods. Buying only what we really need reduces our water footprint  
• Buy local food and groceries. The production and transportation of food is a water-intensive practice.

• Plant native species in your yard and gardens to lower summer water use. Native groundcover, plants, and grasses are heat and drought resistant, require less water and care and are cheaper to maintain.
• Spread mulch around the base of trees and plants to reduce evaporation.
• Water plants in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation and follow the Lawn Watering By-law.
• Only water as much as needed to help reduce outdoor water usage.
• Keep grass height about 5 to 8 cm high to reduce evaporation and reduce the need for repeat watering.
• Use a pool cover to reduce water evaporation; special solar pool covers can even work to heat your pool.
• Use rain barrels to collect rainwater from the eavestrough downspout. Use the water collected to water your indoor plants, lawn, and garden.
• When watering your lawn with sprinklers, make sure sidewalks and driveways are not watered too.
• Dry sweep your driveway instead of using water to clear dust and debris.

• Set a water conservation goal and share it with staff.
• Conduct a facility audit to quantify water use.
• Look for and repair leaky faucets and pipes.
• Develop a water conservation plan.
• Install water efficient fixtures and equipment.
• Dry sweep instead of using a hose to clean floors.
• Make sure all hoses have automatic shut-off nozzles.
• Educate employees about the importance of using less water.
• Post reminders to conserve water in places where it is used most.
• Design landscaping to be water efficient.
• Re-use water for landscaping.

Like the previous By-law, the day you can water your lawn is based on the last digit of your municipal address.

Lawns may be watered between 5 to 8 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. on your designated day.

Property Schedule

Ending in:

• 0 or 1 – Mondays
• 2 or 3 – Tuesdays
• 4 or 5 – Wednesdays
• 6 or 7 – Thursdays
• 8 or 9 – Fridays

Water Devices

These include devices that are connected to a direct water source from the Town’s drinking water systems, such as:

• Hoses connected to:
  • Hose bibs
  • Pipes
  • Sprinklers
• Irrigation systems, including:
  • Above ground
  • In-ground
  • Drip

Hand Watering Devices

This includes containers that are not connected to a watering device but still apply water, such as a watering can. 

Many plants and gardens require watering more frequently. The bylaw allows exemptions for the watering of the following:

• Newly planted trees
• Vegetable gardens
• Public gardens/hanging baskets
• Nurseries
• Farms
• Turf and tree farms
• Playing fields
• Parks

If you have a question that has not been addressed, please email us at info@orangeville.ca.