Water is a precious resource. In the Town of Innisfil, we should all do our part to conserve water because it can help: 

  • The environment
  • Save money on your water bill
  • Reduce infrastructure costs to maintain the water and sewer systems
  • Reduce energy costs

Lawn watering restrictions

Under By-law 051-16, the following watering restrictions apply year-round to help make sure there is enough municipal water for everyone’s needs: 

  • Residents may only water lawns and gardens between the hours of 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on their scheduled day
  • Residents with odd number civic addresses may use outdoor water on odd number calendar days
  • Residents with even number civic addresses may use outdoor water on even number calendar days

Lawn watering restrictions do not apply to private well water use.

Exceptions

Watering is permitted outside of the dates and times specified only in the following circumstances:

  • You may water newly planted trees, shrubs and flowers while they are being installed and again 24 hours after installation
  • You may water lawns immediately after fertilizer treatment and again 24 hours after treatment
  • You may water new sod as required for a period of 30 days after the sod has been laid

Outdoor water use advisories 

Sometimes there's a need to call for outdoor watering bans during water shortage emergencies. Bans will apply to residential, commercial and industrial properties. When necessary, bans will be called in stages, with each stage becoming more restrictive.

Stage 1 - Outdoor Water Use Advisory
Under Stage 1, we ask that you voluntarily refrain from using municipal water for watering lawns and gardens, or washing vehicles, sidewalks, patios, decks, windows, or driveways. See By-law 051-16 for general exemptions.
Stage 2 - Outdoor Water Use Ban
Under Stage 2, use of municipal water for watering lawns and gardens, or washing vehicles, sidewalks, patios, decks, windows, or driveways is not permitted. See By-law 051-16 for general exemptions.
Stage 3 - Outdoor Water Use Emergency 
Under Stage 3, use of municipal water for any outdoor purpose is not permitted.

Water conservation tips

Watch our video for water conservation tips.

Kitchen Conservation Tips

Conserve water in the kitchen with these tips:

  • Install a low-flow faucet aerator, which can cut water use in half
  • Soak pots and pans before washing. When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water
  • Fill the basin or a pan with water to wash fruits and vegetables
  • Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator rather than running tap water until it is cool enough to drink
  • When buying a new dishwasher, consider purchasing a water-saving model. Newer models can cut water use by 25 percent and are no more expensive than non-conserving models
  • Wash only full loads in the dishwasher
Bathroom Conservation Tips

Conserve water in the bathroom with these tips:

  • Check regularly for any leaks and fix them. Most common bathroom leaks are found in faucets and in and around toilets
  • Replace older, larger-use toilets with the newer ultra-low flush models
  • Take shorter showers and use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain and filling the tub only one-third full 
  • Install a low-flow showerhead. It can save about half the amount of water you typically use in the shower, while still providing a refreshing, cleansing shower
  • Turn the tap water off while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face
Laundry Room Conservation Tips

Conserve water in the laundry room with these tips:

  • When buying new equipment, consider purchasing a water-saving model. New horizontal axis models can save up to 40 percent of the water used by a conventional model
  • Wash only full loads 
  • Insulate your water pipes. You’ll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up
Outdoor Conservation Tips

Conserve water outdoors with these tips:

  • Follow lawn watering restrictions and give plants only the amount of water that they need
  • Use low-angle or pulsating sprinklers that produce large fat droplets of water. Sprinklers that spray the water high into the air or produce a mist or fine spray lose much of the water through evaporation
  • Set sprinklers to water the lawn, not sidewalks and driveways
  • Check your sprinkler or irrigation systems regularly for any leaks, and fix them
  • Be sure your hose has an automatic shutoff nozzle so water is not wasted when the hose is left unattended
Gardening Conservation Tips

Conserve water while gardening with these tips:

  • Add two to four inches of organic material, such as peat or compost, to the soil. Greater soil depth will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture
  • Use water-wise plants. Native and adaptive plants will use less water and be resistant to local plant diseases and pests

Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy

Town of Innisfil Council approved a Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy to meet legislated requirements under the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan to protect the health of Lake Simcoe. The strategy recommends various goals to reach over the next 10 years to reduce the Town’s overall water use and decrease extraneous flows to the municipal wastewater facilities.