The city is asking residents to go easy on outside water-use as high temperatures and drought-like conditions persist.

The city’s Outside Water Use Program is still at Level 1 – Yellow, which restricts residents to alternate-day lawn watering done only between 7 and 9 a.m. and between 7 and 9 p.m. But with decreasing Eramosa River levels and low groundwater levels, the city may raise the restrictions to a Level 2 – Red, if watershed conditions do not improve, a news release said.

“Although we remain in Level 1 – Yellow, we are asking residents to voluntarily further reduce non-essential water use in an effort to protect our local water supply and environment,” water conservation project manager Wayne Galliher said in the release.

Guelph is one of the largest communities in Canada to rely solely on groundwater for its drinking water. Groundwater is unique because it is finite in volume and can be vulnerable to drought conditions and overuse, the release said.

If the city moves its water use program to a Level 2 – Red, the following restrictions will apply:

•    Non-essential water use such as lawn watering would be restricted in the absence of a permit.

•    All time shift permits would be suspended.

•    New lawn and treated lawn permits would remain active and continue to be issued.

•    Alternate day and time watering restrictions would be in effect for trees, shrubs, flowers and ornamental gardens, as well as vehicle washing.

•    Homeowners with odd-numbered addresses would water and wash cars on odd-numbered days and those with even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days between 7 and 9 a.m., and 7 and 9 p.m.

Guelph residents and businesses must restrict their non-essential water use by 10 per cent to maintain current Level 1 – Yellow guidelines, the release said.

For more information about Guelph’s Outside Water Use Program, visit guelph.ca/water or call 519-822-1260, ext. 2153.