All residents on municipal systems asked to conserve water starting immediately

KAWARTHA LAKES-The City of Kawartha Lakes is asking all residents on municpal water systems to begin conserving water immediately.

Phase One Water Restrictions are now in effect in accordance with ByLaw 2018-039: A By-Law to Regulate Water and Wastewater Services in Kawartha Lakes.

Officials say Due to low levels of rain received over the past four months, and continuing dry conditions, the municipality is asking all residents to help maintain water levels by practicing phase one water restrictions.

Kawartha Conservation’s Low Water Response Team (comprised of local municipal, agriculture, non-governmental organizations and government agencies) monitors water levels across the watershed. As of July 16, they have upgraded their Low Water Condition to a level two, meaning that the Kawartha Watershed is showing extremely low levels of water. Under a level two condition, the team encourages a minimum reduction of 20% in water use by limiting non-essential uses.

 Under Phase One restrictions, residents must abide by the following:

• Residents who live on a property with an odd-numbered address are only allowed to water vegetation (such as lawns, trees, gardens) on days of the month that are also odd. For example, a resident who lives at 25 Francis Street can water their property on July 23 and July 25, but not on July 24.
• Residents who live on a property with an even-numbered address are only allowed to water vegetation (such as lawns, trees, gardens etc.) on days of the month that are also even. For example, a resident who lives at 26 Francis Street can water their property on July 24 and July 26, but not on July 25.
• In addition to the circumstances above, residents are asked to water their lawns and gardens only in the morning between 6am and 9am, or in the evening, between 7pm and 10pm.

Phase One Water Restrictions can be enforced under the City’s By-Law, however the municipality is asking residents to help do their part by being mindful of water consumption while we continue to experience extreme heat and dry conditions.

More reduction tips:

• Limit washing of motor vehicles;
• Use a broom instead of your hose to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps
• Check your faucets, pipes and toilets for leaks
• Call a commercial water hauler to fill swimming pools
• Wash clothes / dishes only when there is full load in the machine
• Take shorter showers
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving

&nbspphoto credit: Robert Couse-Baker home is where the sprinkler is via photopin (license)