Ville de Gatineau
Outdoor watering and use of drinking water
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Outdoor watering and use of drinking water
Outdoor watering and use of drinking water

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Ville de Gatineau encourages its residents to use drinking water responsibly at all times. This is all the more important in summer, when watering and outdoor uses cause a significant increase in daily usage. There are several tips to help you save drinking water. Discover them here!

By complying with the by-law concerning the use of drinking water, you are helping to ensure a stable and constant supply for everyone.

Inspectors will be out checking for violations. A first-time violation is subject to a $200 fine plus administrative fees.

By-law

The following are prohibited throughout the year:

  • hosing down a driveway, sidewalk, public or private road or a neighbouring property;
  • hosing down a pile of snow;
  • manually using a hose that does not have an automatic shut-off system;
  • using a hose connected to a building other than the one for which it is intended;
  • using more than one hose at a time, unless to fill a pool; and
  • failing to repair a defective tap or valve and thereby wasting water.

Monday is the day off!

Every year, from May 1 to September 30, the outdoor use of municipal drinking water is prohibited. This includes manual and mechanical watering of gardens, lawns, trees and shrubs, washing vehicles or buildings, and filling pools.

Watering

Every year, from May 1 to September 30, outdoor water is regulated as follows:

  • for even addresses, mechanical watering is permitted between 3 and 5 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays;
  • for odd addresses, mechanical watering is permitted between 3 and 5 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays;
  • manual watering of gardens, lawns, trees and shrubs is permitted every day except Monday.

To find out whether you are allowed to use mechanical watering, enter your address below.



Exceptions under the by-law

Treatment against grubs and other parasites

Lawns that have been treated for grubs and other parasites may be watered, either mechanically or manually, for up to two hours on the same day as the treatment is applied. Proof of treatment must be posted so as to be visible from the public right-of-way.

Newly laid sod or newly seeded lawn

You can get a permit for the mechanical or manual watering of a newly seeded lawn or newly laid sod.

The permit costs $25.

The permit authorizes manual watering at all times and mechanical watering any day but only between 3 and 5 a.m. and between 8 and 10 p.m.

It also authorizes mechanical watering throughout the day that new sod has been laid.

The permit is valid for 14 days from its date of issue, and must be displayed in a window so as to be visible from the public right-of-way.

Getting a permit

From May 1 to September 30, you can get a permit by:

  • Submitting a request online. The request form will be available from May 1 to September 30.
  • going to one of the five service centres.

About Gatineau

Recognized for its quality of life, Gatineau is a city of 298,000 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, and extends east and west of the Gatineau River.

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