Hamilton announces mandatory ban on non-essential outdoor water use

The City of Hamilton has announced a mandatory ban on all non-essential outdoor water use across all parts of Hamilton.

It will be in place until Monday, July 13.

These restrictions come one day after the City issued voluntary restrictions on the use of non-essential water outdoors, such as watering lawns, using sprinklers, filling large pools and washing cars.

It is no longer considered voluntary.

The ban applies to all parts of Hamilton, including those in Stoney Creek, Dundas, Ancaster, Waterdown and parts of Flamborough and Glanbrook.

The city says that residents can still hand-water their gardens as needed.

The restrictions are a result of construction at the Woodward Water Treatment Plant, which is temporarily limiting the plant’s capacity for treating water.

This construction project was scheduled to be complete before the hot weather brought increased demand on the water supply.

However, delays to the project require this action to be taken to ensure the water supply in Hamilton is not interrupted.

The mandatory ban is in place to prevent low or no water pressure or not enough water for fighting fires.

The city has reduced its own irrigation activities in flower islands, sports fields and golf courses where possible. Due to the heat, municipal spray pads will continue to operate.

Residents with private wells and those living in Carlisle, Freelton, Greensville and Lynden on the local municipal well systems are not impacted by this restriction.