Gatineau, Que. tightens the tap on water usage for lawns, gardens

(CTV News).

Residents in Gatineau, Que. will have to watch the clock and the calendar when watering their lawns and gardens with a sprinkler this summer.

Council approved new restrictions for using sprinklers as part of a provincewide effort to reduce water use by 20 per cent.

“The amendments to the bylaw will not only help reduce water waste by reducing dependence on drinking water for outdoor watering, but will also encourage residents to adopt respectful behaviours while using complaint equipment,” police said.

The use of sprinklers or manually watering of gardens, lawns, trees and shrubs or washing a vehicle continues to be prohibited on Mondays.

Under the new rules, the use of automatic timers on sprinklers is prohibited.

Starting this spring and summer, Gatineau residents can use sprinklers between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., two days a week. Residents whose street address ends in an even number can use the sprinklers on Tuesdays and Fridays, while residents with an address ending in an odd number can water with sprinklers on Wednesdays and Sundays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Residents will need to obtain a special permit for “specific situations” for watering, including watering new lawns or plantings.

Previously, residents could use sprinklers three days a week.

The city says residents conduct “manual watering” every day except Monday.

According to the City of Gatineau’s website, failing to comply with the bylaw concerning the use of drinking water is punishable by a fine of $200.

The City of Gatineau says all year round, it is forbidden to water a driveway or sidewalk, manually use a hose that is not equipped with an automatic shutoff system or use more than one garden hose at the same time, except for filling a swimming pool.