The Town of Saugeen Shores has lifted the temporary watering ban effective immediately. In a July 24 media release, the ban was put in place on July 11 after high temperatures and dry conditions led to unsustainably high water usage and the stress this put on the water system. With recent rainfall, it is expected the outdoor water demand will be reduced.

“The dry weather means more residents are watering their lawns, causing our water treatment plant to run overtime. This use can not be maintained over such long periods of time as operators need to maintain the filter system properly each day to provide safe and reliable drinking water. We saw daily use double as compared to the average day throughout July,” said Amanda Froese, P.Eng, Director of Infrastructure and Development.

The Town continues to encourage people to practice conservation and refrain from unnecessarily watering lawns, filling pools and washing cars.

“There are many ways residents can support conservation and help reduce the burden on the water system by allowing a taller grass height, watering in the morning, aerating the lawns and using mulch in gardens and around shrubs. These actions reduce water use by preventing evaporation and they also help to prevent disease,” said Froese.

The regular watering restrictions are:

• Properties with odd number addresses can water their lawns with municipal water on odd numbered days, and even numbered properties can water lawns on even days
• All lawn watering is to be done during the hours of 7 and 9 a.m. or 7 and 9 p.m.
• Watering by sandpoint/well requires a permit and a sign must be displayed that is clearly visible from the street