The city is cautioning residents to be diligent with their water use in order to avoid another water ban.
Since the current dry spell began last week, the city has been seeing an increase in domestic water consumption.
Nathalie Viau, the city’s utilities project supervisor, said the city is teetering on the edge of over use.
“We are not as high as two weeks ago but we are heading in this direction if residents don’t curb consumption of water,” Viau said. “The consumption rate has been increasing steadily by approximately 10 per cent a day (and) Environment Canada’s weather forecast for the next week is dry and hot with no sign of cooling off.”
As of Tuesday night, residents were using 772 litres per second of city water, which is slightly over the allocated amount of 765 litres per second for residential and commercial use. The city also reserves 300 litres per second for fire suppression.
Two weeks ago, residents were using 880 litres per second which prompted the city to enact a two-day, stage three water restriction for the first time since 2009. Under the ban, residents were prohibited from watering their lawns, washing vehicles or filling pools, ponds and hot tubs.
Viau said the city is asking residents to be cognizant of their water consumption to avoid another water ban.
“The city is hoping to not have to implement a stage three once again,” Viau said.
“We are asking residents to be mindful of their water consumption, especially when irrigating their lawns and/or gardens.”
The city suggests that residents follow these guidelines for water conservation and lawn care:
- Mow lawns to a length of three inches or more, reducing moisture loss and sunburn.
- Set sprinklers to water for 20 minutes or less per lawn watering session.
- Water for a maximum of two sessions per week, encouraging deep root systems.
- Provide good aeration and drainage to create a healthy lawn.