In the case of an Outdoor Water Use Stage 3 Emergency, nearly all outdoor water use is completely restricted, including lawn watering. An Outdoor Water Use Stage 3 Emergency will be declared in a severe drought situation, or when measures taken at Stage 2 are unsuccessful in preventing a major water shortage.

Regional By-law Enforcement officers will be enforcing the rules at this stage and issuing fines for non-compliance. Regional residents are encouraged to email watercycle@region.waterloo.on.ca or to call 575-4021 if they have any questions about the rules at this stage.

Outdoor Water Use at this level is restricted as follows:

Lawns: Completely restricted.

Newly planted sod/seed, or treated lawns: Completely restricted.

Trees, shrubs, flowers, gardens: Watering with a hose is completely restricted. Only hand watering devices (watering cans, buckets) may be used.

Residential vehicle washing: Completely restricted.

Washing streets, driveways, walkways, buildings: Completely restricted.

Wasting water: Completely restricted (click here for more information).