July 24 update: The Town of Saugeen Shores has lifted the temporary watering ban, effective July 24. Regular restrictions still apply.

A temporary watering ban has been implemented by the Town of Saugeen Shores for the second time this summer due to high usage.

In a July 11 media release, residents are asked to abide by the temporary watering ban and refrain from lawn watering, pool filling, and other water usage outside of the home to ensure necessary levels of drinking water are maintained.

“Unfortunately, our treated drinking water levels stored within the distribution system have dropped to a level which requires us to reactivate the temporary ban,” said Amanda Froese, Director of Infrastructure and Development Services. “Today the situation has been exasperated by a motor vehicle accident that led to a watermain break, further reducing the water in the reservoir. This is a proactive restriction to ensure we maintain treated water for household use and firefighting services. A watering ban is common when there is so little rain and the temperatures are this warm,” she added.

This restriction, enforced by By-Law 89-2001, enables the Town to impose a temporary total ban, where deemed absolutely necessary. By-law enforcement will be actively patrolling the municipality and will be issuing fines to anyone not abiding by the ban.

Residents connected to private watering systems such as sandpoints or private wells are not affected by the watering restrictions. However, the Town would like to remind residents that an application and inspection of the sandpoint must be completed as well as payment of the necessary fees. Once granted approval, the “Lawn Watered by Sandpoint/Well” sign must be displayed in a spot that is visible from the street.

July 20 Update: The Town is continuing to monitor conditions and will let us know when the ban is lifted at which time we will post an update so our readers are aware. Residents are reminded that watering restrictions are always in place. Visit saugeenshores.ca/watering for more information.

July 12 Update: To listen to the Shore Report podcast Episode 55 Open Air Fire Ban and Watering Ban that helps to identify what an active ban means to residents and visitors, visit soundcloud.com/user-788595130/episode-55-open-air-fire-ban-and-watering-ban.