• Residents are permitted to irrigate gardens, trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants on alternate days.
• The washing of cars with a controlled hose (with a shut-off valve attached).
• Topping-up of permanent residential pools.

• Residents with new sod and seed must obtain and post a permit from the Region by calling 519-575-4495. This permit allows watering any time for the first 24 hours after planting, followed by 6 consecutive days during the time restrictions and then on alternate days for the second week (day 8 through to day 14) during restricted hours (odd days for odd numbered addresses and even days or even numbered addresses).

• Prior to the treatment of nematodes, residents must call 519-575-4495 or email watercycle@region.waterloo.on.ca with name, address, phone number and date the nematode treatment will be applied. Proof of purchase must be made available upon request. Upon application of nematodes, watering is then permitted any time for the first 24 hours and for a 6 consecutive calendar day period immediately following the first 24 hours between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

• Residents may apply for a change in their lawn watering day. Applications will not be accepted until May 1 of the year they are applying for, and a limited number of permits will be available on a first come, first served basis. There is no waiting list. A $10 administrative fee will be applied for each permit and a sticker will be issued which must be displayed in the front door or window of the property. The permit will only be valid for the year they applied for; so a permit received on May 15, 2010 would expire on September 30, 2010. The rules regarding the watering of lawns will remain unchanged and will continue to be allowed only once per week on the current permitted day.
• "Request to change watering day" application form:
  • To download an application form to print and mail or drop off, click here. (No electronic submissions allowed.)
  • Applications can be picked up or dropped off at any of the below Region of Waterloo locations.
    • 150 Frederick St., 2nd Floor, Kitchener ON N2G 4J3 - Licensing and Regulatory Service
    • 99 Regina St., Waterloo - Main Lobby, Citizen Service Desk
    • 150 Main St., Cambridge - Citizen Service Desk
    • Applications sent by mail to be addressed to:
      Region of Waterloo
      Licensing and Regulatory Services
      150 Frederick St., 2nd Floor
      Kitchener ON N2G 4J3
  • Payment methods accepted are cash, debit, cheque or credit card.

• Watering lawn, newly planted sod/seed or treated lawn during improper day/time
• Watering trees, shrubs, flowers/gardens with hose or irrigation system during improper day/time
• Washing vehicle during improper day/time
• Permitting water to pool or run off lawn or garden
• Washing street, driveway, walkway or building with hose or irrigation system
• Wasting water

Information on "Outdoor Water Use Stage 1 Normal Conditions"
(enforced by individual cities and townships outside the May 31 - September 30 timeframe)

Information on 'Outdoor Water Use Stage 3 Emergency"