Utilities Kingston reminds residents of summer watering restrictions

The City of Kingston’s annual seasonal watering restrictions go into effect on Thursday, Jun. 15, 2023. Until September 15, residents and businesses with odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered days, while evens may water on even-numbered days, according to the Utilities Kingston. 

The City of Kingston’s Water By-law allows residents and businesses to:

• Use a hand-held hose, can or bucket any time on their scheduled day.
• Use a sprinkler between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on their scheduled day.
• Use water from their rain barrel anytime!

“Abiding by watering restrictions is an important community effort that helps ensure adequate supply for fire protection, and we thank you,” says Kingston Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Monique Belair. 

According to a release from the utility company, dated Wednesday, Jun. 14, 2023, water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is built to handle peak demand times. During the summer, Utilities Kingston said that residents use the most treated water from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Reducing the use of treated water during times when the demand is highest helps ensure a reliable supply for adequate water reserves and pressure and fire protection. It also helps manage the need to expand water treatment infrastructure,” said Heather Roberts, Director of Water and Wastewater Services for Utilities Kingston.

Reducing outdoor water use also reduces the pollutants that end up in the lake, according to the release. This is because much of the water from sprinklers and hoses (such as from washing cars) runs off into the storm sewer, picking up pollutants that end up in Lake Ontario, Kingston’s source of drinking water.

Utilities Kingston encourages residents and businesses to practice water-wise gardening to make every raindrop count. According to the release, using a rain barrel, following best watering practices, amending soil with organic content, and incorporating drought-tolerant plants are just some of the sustainable practices that help reduce treated water use – all with beautiful results.

For inspiration and information, take a free, guided tour of the Utilities Kingston Water Conservation Garden at 1211 John Counter Blvd., or check out their online resources at https://utilitieskingston.com/ConservationGarden. To speak to Utilities Kingston’s conservation team email C[email protected] or call 613-546-0000, and ask to speak with ‘conservation’.

Sometimes new yards, shrubs, and trees need water at times outside this watering schedule. According to the release, Utilities Kingston offers exemption permits, which can be applied for online. Visit www.utilitieskingston.com to learn more about exemption permits, how to save water and money, and when you can use outdoor treated water. The web resource is complete with a dynamic indicator that explains when residents and businesses can use hoses versus sprinkling devices and many resources on water-wise gardening, Utilities Kingston stated.