To help conserve water during the hottest months of the year, Oxford County’s annual watering restrictions will take effect later this week.
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As of May 1, county residents and businesses will be limited to using their sprinklers or hoses to water their lawns and gardens every other day.
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Under the county’s water conservation program, homes and businesses with odd-numbered addresses may water on the odd days of the month from 6 am to 9 am and then again from 6 pm to 9 pm Homes and businesses with even0numbered addresses are permitted to water on the even days of the month from 6 am to 9 am and then again from 6 pm to 9 pm
The intent of this municipal program is to help conserve the county’s groundwater supply during the summer months, when water use increases considerably. Last year in Oxford County, water consumption by residents spiked by as much as 51 per cent during the summer months.
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Since the municipal water supply relied entirely on groundwater, which takes longer to replenish and is more vulnerable to overuse than other sources, such as lakes, limiting outdoor water use can help protect this critical resource, county officials said in a release.
Repeated non-compliance with the bylaw can potentially result in reduced water pressure, which requires a fine to restore after a 24-hour waiting period. Residents or businesses that would like to request an exemption to the program’s schedule because of a pressing need, like recently installed landscaping or filling a swimming pool, can contact the county at 519-539-9800 or [email protected] for more information.
The water conservation program remains in effect for all Oxford County residents served by the municipal water system, including those in Beachville, Bright, Brownsville, Dereham Centre, Drumbo, Princeton, Embro, Hickson, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Lakeside, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Springford, Sweaburg, Plattsville, Tavistock, Thamesford, Tillsonburg and Woodstock.
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The water restrictions end on Sept. 30.
More information about this program is available at www.oxfordcounty.ca/waterconservation.
Smart watering tips
- Overwatering a lawn can be harmful to its health. A thorough watering once a week will prevent excess moisture and encourage deep, healthy roots. A layer of mulch also helps keep moisture in your garden soil and around tree roots.
- Hand-watering from a rain barrel is an environmentally friendly way to water grass and gardens using natural rainwater. Rain barrels should be screened to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Barrels can be purchased from Oxford County by calling 519-539-9800 or toll-free at 1-866-537-7778.
- Avoid watering during midday sun and wind. Watering early in the morning is best for your lawn and gardens, and will limit evaporation.
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