Ville de Gatineau encourages its residents to use drinking water responsibly at all times. This is particularly important in the summer when its outdoor use increases significantly.

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.

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 $15.

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.