Lawn and outdoor watering restrictions for Waterloo Region

If you live in Waterloo Region and are familiar with the water capacity constraint, you may wonder if conservation can help. Reducing water use is always important because it helps manage and protect the supply we have, especially during warm, dry weather. The community has done a great job to conserve over the years, and we will keep this up with your help. Learn more about conservation below and find more information on the constraint by visiting the FAQs in the water capacity information hub.

Information for the community

Using water outdoors – like for lawns, gardens, pools or washing cars – can increase water use. The outdoor water use schedules in the by-law spread water use throughout the week. This helps ensure we have enough water for everyone's needs and it protects our water system. Follow the by-law and include these tips for using water wisely outdoors this summer.

You can apply for temporary watering permits for new seed/sod or nematodes as of May 1.

Find your outdoor water use times

The last number of your address determines which days you can use municipal water outdoors while the by-law is in effect. You can only use water from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m. on your assigned day.

Once-a-week lawn watering schedule

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.

If your address ends in:

0 or 1 water lawns on Monday
2 or 3 water lawns on Tuesday
4 or 5 water lawns on Wednesday
6 or 7 water lawns on Thursday
8 or 9 water lawns on Friday

Alternate-day other water use schedule

You can use water on alternate days between 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m. for activities connecting to municipal water supply including:

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

If you address end in:

1,3,5,7,9 you can use water on odd-numbered dates.
For example, if your address is 205 you can water on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.
0,2,4,6,8 you can use water on even-numbered dates.
For example, if your address is 1078 you can water on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.

Hand-held watering cans or buckets can be filled with water from your tap or rain barrel anytime.

Lawn watering permits for new seed, sod and nematodes

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

Planting new grass seed or laying sod?

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

Each property can request one watering permit per calendar year when seeding lawns and laying sod between May 31 and September 30. Permit information is stored electronically, but you can still request a printed permit. If you need to change your application date, please let us know.

To apply for a permit, you'll need:

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

Note: Landscaping businesses can apply on behalf of a property owner.

Request a 14-day permit for watering new seed or sod (starting May 1)

Steps for watering seed or sod after requesting a permit

First 24 hours after planting – water anytime.
From day two to six after planting – water from 5:30 to 10 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m.
Seven 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.

Each property can request one watering permit per calendar year when applying nematodes between May 31 and September 30. Printed permits are not provided for nematodes. If you need to change your application date, please let us know.

To apply for a permit, you'll need:

Your name, address, postal code, phone number, email address
Application date for nematodes

Note: Landscaping businesses can apply on behalf of a property owner.

Request a 7-day watering permit for applying nematodes (starting May 1)

Steps for watering nematodes after requesting a permit

First 24 hours after nematode application – water as needed.
From day two to six 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.

Water-wise landscape tips

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. 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 for 2026 open in early May.
$10 administrative fee applies for each permit.
Permit information is stored electronically. You can still request a printed permit..

Request to change your lawn watering day

Or call 519-575-4400 extension 3445 to change your watering day (from May 1 to September 30).

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

Yes, you can use watering cans or buckets. 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 us 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.

Outdoor Water Use and Restrictions

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