Norwich residents will have additional water conservation measures this year due to routine water tower maintenance

Oxford County relies entirely on groundwater for its water supply. Compared to other communities near rivers or lakes, groundwater supplies take much longer to replenish and are more vulnerable to overuse. That’s why Oxford County limits outdoor water use for lawns and gardens to every other day between May 1 and September 30.

Oxford County By-law No. 4193-2002 permits outdoor water use (by hose or attachment) every other day to ensure an adequate water supply for all residents. Residents living in Beachville, Bright, Brownsville, Dereham Centre, Drumbo, Princeton, Embro, Hickson, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Lakeside, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Springford, Sweaburg, Plattsville, Tavistock, Thamesford, Tillsonburg, and Woodstock will be asked to limit outdoor water use to every other day. Even-numbered addresses should water on even-numbered days - odd numbers on odd days. Residential watering hours are 6-9 a.m. or 6-9 p.m., while commercial watering hours are 8-10 a.m. or 3-5 p.m.

Your watering day is determined by your address:

• Even-numbered addresses
  Please water on even-numbered days
• Odd-numbered addresses
  Please water on odd-numbered days

These limitations apply to all residents serviced by municipal water, with a notable exception for those in Norwich, who have additional restrictions this year due to routine maintenance on the town’s water tower.

Norwich residents should limit outdoor watering to once a week based on the last digit of their address.

• Monday: Addresses ending in 0 or 1
• Tuesday: Addresses ending in 2 or 3
• Wednesday: Addresses ending in 4 or 5
• Thursday: Addresses ending in 6 or 7
•  Friday: Addresses ending in 8 or 9
• There is no weekend watering

Oxford County takes water conservation seriously and relies on the efforts of its residents to ensure an adequate water supply each year. For more information, including details about exemption permits and penalties for non-compliance, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/waterconservation.

Exemption permits

Residents, businesses and organizations can apply for exemption permits for outdoor use beyond the designated hours. Oxford County offers exemptions for:

• Automatic sprinkler systems
• New sod, seeds, trees or outside projects
• Non-profit fundraising
• Filling a swimming pool
• Special considerations

For more information, including details on how to apply, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/waterconservation. In Woodstock, visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca. In Tillsonburg, see www.tillsonburg.ca.

Smart watering tips

• Natural rainwater is a wonderful source of water for plants. Use a rain barrel to collect water for your grass and gardens. Ensure it has a screen to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. You can purchase a rain barrel from Oxford County by calling 519-539-9800 or toll-free at 1-866-537-7778.
• A layer of mulch helps keep moisture in your garden soil and around tree roots.
• Avoid watering during the midday sun and wind. Watering early in the morning is best for your lawn and gardens and will limit evaporation.
• Overwatering your lawn can be harmful. A thorough watering once a week will prevent excessive moisture and encourage deep, healthy roots.