Water Conservation By-law

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sprinkler watering lawn with houses in background

Using water outdoors – like for lawns, gardens, pools or washing cars – can increase water use. The watering days and times in the by-law spread water use throughout the week. This helps ensure we have enough water for everyone's needs and we don't run out. Follow the by-law and include these tips for watering outdoors this summer.

As of September 30, temporary watering permits are no longer needed for the 2025 season. Permits will be accepted in the spring before outdoor water use restrictions take effect on May 31, 2026.

Find your outdoor watering times

Lawn watering

If needed, you can water your lawn once a week on your assigned day between 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m.

Addresses ending with a:

0 or 1 water lawns on Mondays
2 or 3 water lawns on Tuesdays
4 or 5 water lawns on Wednesdays
6 or 7 water lawns on Thursdays
8 or 9 water lawns on Fridays

Other outdoor watering activities

You can water every other day between 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 and 11 p.m. for activities that use a hose connected to municipal water supply including:

watering gardens, trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants
washing vehicles
topping up permanent residential pools

The last digit of your address determines which days you can water on.

Addresses ending with an odd number can water on odd-numbered dates. For example, the address 205 can water on the 1st, the 3rd, the 5th, etc.
Addresses ending with an even number can water on even-numbered dates. For example, the address 1078 can water on the 2nd, the 4th, the 6th, etc.

You can water anytime using a watering can, bucket, or rain barrel. Fill hand-held watering cans or buckets with rainwater you've collected or use tap water from your hose.

Lawn watering permits for new seed, sod and nematodes

As of September 30, temporary watering permits are no longer needed for the 2025 season. Permits will be accepted in the spring before outdoor water use restrictions take effect on May 31, 2026.

From May 31 to September 30 each year, request a temporary permit if you need extra lawn watering days to seed your lawn, lay new sod or apply nematodes.

We encourage everyone to plant new seed or lay sod in the spring and fall, when temperatures are cooler and less watering is required.

Request a 14-day permit for watering new seed or sod (from May 31 to September 30)

Each property can only request one watering permit for seeding lawns and laying sod in a calendar year. Printed permits are now optional as permit information is stored electronically. If requested, we will still mail you a printed permit.

To apply for a permit, you'll need:

Your name, address, postal code, phone number.
Planting date for new grass seed or sod.

Steps for watering seed or sod after requesting a permit

First 24 hours after planting – water anytime.
From day 2 to 6 after planting – water from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m.
7 to 14 days after planting – water from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m. on odd or even calendar dates based on the last digit of the property address. For example, if your property address is 123 Water Street, you can water on odd days.
After a permit expires – watering is only allowed once a week on your assigned day.

Applying nematodes on your lawn?

Before applying nematodes for grub or chinch bug control, you need to request a permit for extra watering time.

Request a 7-day watering permit for applying nematodes (from May 31 to September 30)

Each property can only request one watering permit for nematodes in a calendar year. Printed permits are not provided for nematodes.

To apply for a permit, you'll need:

Your name, address, postal code, phone number.
Application date for nematodes.
Proof of your nematode purchase if requested by the Region of Waterloo

Steps for watering nematodes after requesting a permit

First 24 hours after nematode application – water as needed.
From day 2 to 6 after nematode application – water from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m. following the manufacturer's instructions.
After a permit expires – watering is only allowed once a week on your assigned day.

Tips for watering efficiently outdoors

Smart watering tips

A thorough watering once per week is the best way to maintain a healthy lawn. Rain is often enough!
Over watering your lawn or garden is harmful, not helpful! Excess moisture can rot grass roots and creates the perfect environment for disease.
Watering early in the morning is best for your grass and gardens. Midday wind and hot sun will evaporate the water meant for your plants.
Try leaving a small container (like a tuna can) on your lawn! When the container is full, your lawn has enough water for the week. Only one inch per week encourages deep, healthy roots.
Brown grass isn’t dead, only dormant. It’s OK to let your lawn go dormant. Grass can live four to six weeks without water. It will bounce back!

Choose a water wise garden

Choose plants that don’t need much water and are suited to our local climate.
A layer of organic mulch helps keep moisture in the soil and provides nutrients too.
Use rain barrels to harvest rainwater that’s perfect for gardens and grass.

Tips for irrigation systems

Use a timer to not water too long, and only within by-law hours.
Check regularly for leaks.
Make sure water isn’t being wasted on sidewalks or other hard surfaces.
Consider an efficient drip irrigation system that delivers water to the roots.
Manual irrigation is more efficient and less expensive than an automatic system.

Answers to your questions

Don't see an answer to your question? Contact watercycle@regionofwaterloo.ca or call 519-575-4400. Request extension 3445 if calling from May 31 to September 30.

Can I request a change to my lawn watering day?

You may request a change to your lawn watering day. Once the new watering day is approved, you must only water on that day or you can be fined without warning.

Applications accepted on or after May 1 of the year you are applying.
Limited number of permits available on a first come, first served basis.
There is no waiting list.
$10 administrative fee applies for each permit.
Permit is only valid for year issued.
Printed permits are now optional as permit information is stored electronically. If requested, we will still mail you a printed permit to display on your door or window.

Request to change your lawn watering day

Or call 519-575-4400 extension 3445 to change your watering day.

Can I use a watering can to water my garden when it's not my watering day?

Yes, you can use buckets, rain barrels or watering cans. As long as you are not connected to the municipal water supply, you can water lawns and gardens at any time.

Can I connect my hose to the water supply or an irrigation system to water gardens, trees, shrubs and plants on my odd-even watering day?

Yes, as long as watering occurs between 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m.

Can I apply for a permit to use my automatic irrigation system outside the permitted hours?

No, everyone must follow their assigned watering days and hours.

Does the Region give official warning before laying charges for water use violations?

No, Regional Police and By-law Enforcement Officers may lay charges without warning. We will provide education, information and warnings to property owners as a courtesy. If we observe water use violations after issuing a warning, we will lay charges.

During watering restrictions, when can I refill my pool after installation or repairs?

Complete filling of pools is not restricted. The current Water Conservation By-law applies to top ups only.

Can I wash my vehicle at any time?

If connecting to the municipal supply, you must wash your vehicle on your assigned days. If you are washing your vehicle with a bucket, you can wash it at any time.

Can I run a charity car wash to raise funds while watering restrictions are in effect?

Yes, but we ask that you notify the Region of Waterloo at 519-575-4400 extension 3445. Provide the date and time of the event, the charity the event is for and your contact information. This helps us respond to potential complaints.

Can I wash my deck, house or driveway with a hose or power washer before applying treatments or paint?

Yes, you can wash immediately before applying any paint or treatment. Weekly or regular washing and hosing of these areas is not allowed.

Can children play in sprinklers or splash pads during outdoor water use restrictions?

Yes, children can use water for recreation.