Mandatory water restrictions during extreme heat ensure adequate water levels for emergency purposes

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham is advising residents and businesses in Beaverton, Cannington, Sunderland, Uxbridge, Port Perry, Orono, Blackstock and Greenbank of mandatory water restrictions during the extreme hot weather. Residents and businesses are required to discontinue all non-essential water use during this time.  

When: Effective immediately until further notice. 

Where: Beaverton, Cannington, Sunderland, Uxbridge, Port Perry, Orono, Blackstock and Greenbank. 

Why: Water use restrictions are due to the prolonged period without rain and increased demand during the extreme heat causing a strain on our systems. During extreme heat, water restrictions are necessary to maintain adequate water levels to deal with emergencies, including fire protection. Simple changes like not washing your car or watering your lawn can significantly reduce water consumption and contribute towards a more resilient water system. 

Note: Examples of non-essential water use includes cleaning driveways or decks, washing cars and lawn watering.  

The current mandatory water restrictions in place for the community of Bowmanville due to a maintenance issue with one of the three filters at the plant is still ongoing, but unrelated to these restrictions. 

When the mandatory water restrictions are lifted, you may resume watering while following “odd-even day lawn watering”; this is a mandatory requirement from May to September each year under the Regional Water Supply By-law #89-2003. 

The Region regrets any inconvenience this may cause and thanks customers for their co-operation. For water conservation tips, visit durham.ca/WaterEfficiency, or contact our Water Resources Monitoring and Protection Division at 311 (within Regional limits) or toll-free at 1-800-372-1102.