The City of Châteauguay issued a notice of outdoor watering ban at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, until further notice, as stated in a press release.
« This ban will help prevent water overconsumption and preserve the integrity of our equipment during this period when daily consumption has been steadily increasing, » the City justifies, while urging citizens to « ration water only for essential purposes ».
What is prohibited
The use of any watering system (manual, automatic, electronic, or underground) for lawns is strictly prohibited until further notice, as well as exterior house cleaning, mentions the City.
Starting from June 1st, the City will not issue any permits for watering newly installed sod.
« Only sod installed before this date, with proof of purchase, can be watered during the permitted hours according to the usual regulations, » it clarifies.
Filling pools with water from the aqueduct is not allowed. The City reminds its citizens that it is always prohibited to use a fire hydrant on its water network. If citizens notice such actions, they are encouraged to report the event at 450 698-3150.
Permitted manual watering
Manual watering of gardens, flowers, and vegetable gardens with a watering can, however, remains permitted at all times, advises the City. It recommends using water from rainwater collection containers for this type of watering.
Operating water games facilities
Water games facilities in municipal parks remain open despite the current watering ban. « This exceptional measure aims to allow both young and adults to cool off during periods of high heat. Furthermore, the water games facilities are equipped with activation switches with timers to limit water waste, » the City mentions.
Individuals who do not comply with the watering ban may receive a fine, specifies the City. It will increase surveillance in this regard throughout its territory.
Updates regarding water usage restrictions will be provided in the AlertEAU section and on the City’s Facebook page.
