Dimitris Ilias
More and more North Shore towns are banning watering of lawns due to the continued heat wave. The very high consumption of water also increases the speed in the pipes and causes deposits of debris to detach, which has the same effect as a rinsing operation and could cause brownish water. Water quality is not affected in any way by this situation.
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The Town of Rosemère has issued a complete watering ban, effective immediately, and until further notice, throughout the Town’s territory. As hot, dry weather is conducive to fire, it is also essential to ensure water distribution for fire safety. “Over the past few days we have noticed a sharp increase in water consumption and, with the heat wave coming, we are unfortunately forced to ban watering completely. We are therefore asking residents to reduce their consumption of drinking water. However, rest assured that the Town will continue to provide excellent quality drinking water for its residents,” stated Mayor Eric Westram. The Town prohibits lawn watering unless residents have a temporary watering permit. It is also prohibited to use any automatic watering system (underground) or to wash cars. Watering flowers and gardens is nevertheless permitted if done manually. Residents who do not comply with this watering ban are liable to a fine of up to $2,000.
Record water consumption in the City of Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac resulted in a coloration of the drinking water in the city. This overconsumption forced the city to immediately issue a ban on watering throughout the territory from 1 p.m. this Wednesday, June 17, until further notice. Moreover, the heat wave period announced in the coming days could encourage citizens to water in excess, outside the periods provided for in the regulations. This prohibition is therefore essential in order to supply drinking water to all citizens. However, manual watering of flowers and gardens is allowed. Only residents who have obtained a watering permit for a new lawn will be able to water according to the standards provided for in the permit. Patrols will be carried out at all times and that offenders will be punished. The City announced that when the weather permits, the ban on watering will be lifted.
The Cities of Sainte-Thérèse, Boisbriand and Blainville also issued a mechanical and automatic watering ban for its entire territory, until further notice. Only manual watering is authorized, either using a hand container or a hose with a gun held continuously by the user.
Saint Eustache and Deux Montagnes have not issued a ban yet, but are strongly urging their citizens to limit consumption of drinking water.
