Mandatory water restrictions in effect for township

Lisha Van Nieuwenhove

Last Friday, the Region advised residents and businesses in Uxbridge of mandatory water restrictions during the extreme hot weather. Residents and businesses are required to discontinue all non-essential water use during this time, effective immediately until further notice. Other areas in North Durham are under the same advisory.

In a news release, the Region said water use restrictions are “due to the prolonged period without rain and increased demand during the extreme heat,” which causes a strain on systems. The Region explained that water restrictions are necessary to maintain adequate water levels to deal with emergencies, including fire protection. Examples of non-essential water use includes cleaning driveways or decks, washing cars and lawn watering.

When the water restrictions are lifted, residents and businesses may resume watering while following “odd-even day lawn watering”; this is a mandatory requirement from May to September each year under the Regional Water Supply By-law #89-2003.

For water conservation tips, visit durham.ca/WaterEfficiency, or contact the Water Resources Monitoring and Protection Division at 311 or toll-free at 1-800-372-1102.