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When it comes to lawn watering practices, the City of Kitchener observes the Region of Waterloo’s Outdoor Water Use By-law . This by-law sets stages of outdoor water use restrictions that come into effect when there is a drought or when drinking water storage runs low.

Stage 1

Outdoor Water Use Stage 1 occurs when the weather is not too dry and when residents are not placing an excessive demand on our water supply.

At this stage, residents are asked to abide by the odd-even outdoor water use rules: residents with odd-numbered addresses water on odd-numbered days, and residents with even-numbered addresses water on even-numbered days. You are permitted to water your lawn between 7:00–10:00 a.m. and 7:00–11:00 p.m. on your designated days.

This rule is in effect year-round in Waterloo Region under normal water supply conditions for all residents, businesses, and institutions.

Stage 2

Outdoor Water Use Stage 2 is in effect from May 31 to September 30, 2007.

During this stage, residents, businesses, and institutions are permitted to water one day per week, according to the number of their street address. See the chart below to determine your watering day.

All watering must take place between the hours of 5:30–10:00 a.m. and 7:00–11:00 p.m. Since weekends are already peak water use times, watering outdoors is not permitted on Saturday or Sunday. Residents, apartments, businesses, and institutions with automatically timed sprinklers are expected to adjust their timers accordingly.

During Outdoor Water Use Stage 2, Regional By-law Enforcement Officers will enforce the rules and issue fines for non-compliance.

Find Out More

For more information on watering regulations in Kitchener, visit the Region’s Web site for further details. If you want to know more about water conservation, see the tips to conserve water wisely.