Fresh, clean water is a limited resource. In order to ensure a sustainable water supply, we need to use water responsibly and avoid wasting it. Check out our source water protection to find out how you can help protect our drinking water.

Toilet rebate program

The Town of Orangeville offers a toilet rebate if you replace an old toilet with a water efficient toilet. Learn more about the toilet rebate program and find out if you are eligible.

Lawn watering

In order to help conserve water, the Lawn Watering By-law limits the times of day you can water your lawn in the Town of Orangeville.

If you live in an even-numbered municipal property, you can water your lawn on even-numbered days of the month during the following times:

  • 5 a.m. to 8 a.m.
  • 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

If you live in an odd-numbered municipal property, you can water your lawn on odd-numbered days of the month during the following times:

  • 5 a.m. to 8 a.m.
  • 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

How can I conserve water?

Here are some tips to help you conserve water in your daily life.

Home
  • routinely check and repair leaky faucets and toilets (one drop per second wastes about 10,000 litres of water per year)
  • buy water-efficient appliances and fixtures, look for the WaterSense symbol
  • install ultra-low-flow shower heads, low-flow, dual flush toilets and low-flow faucet aerators
  • use a water conservation calculator such as Home Water Works to estimate your water use, know how you compare to the average and get a plan to help you use less
  • don't let the water run when brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving
  • only use the washing machine and dishwasher when they are fully loaded, using eco-wash or light water modes
  • consider investing in a front-loading model when replacing your old washing machine
  • use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand (dishwashers are actually more water-efficient than hand washing)
  • Purchase recycled or second-hand goods and repurpose or recycle things when you are done with them. Water is heavily used in the production of material goods. Buying only what we really need reduces our water footprint  
  • Buy local food and groceries. The production and transportation of food is a water-intensive practice

Yard
  • plant native species to lower summer water use (native groundcover, plants and grasses are heat and drought resistant, require less water and care and are cheaper to maintain)
  • Spread mulch around the base of trees and plants to reduce evaporation
  • water plants in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation and follow the Lawn Watering By-law
  • only water as much as needed and aim to reduce outdoor water use
  • keep grass height about 5 to 8 cm high to reduce evaporation and reduce the need for repeat watering
  • use a pool cover to reduce water evaporation; special solar pool covers can even work to heat your pool
  • use rain barrels to collect rainwater from the eavestrough downspout. Use the water collected to water your indoor plants, lawn, and garden
  • when watering your lawn with sprinklers, make sure sidewalks and driveways are not watered too
  • dry sweep your driveway instead of using water to clear dust and debris

Business
  • set a water conservation goal and share it with staff
  • conduct a facility audit to quantify water use
  • look for and repair leaky faucets and pipes
  • develop a water conservation plan
  • install water efficient fixtures and equipment
  • dry sweep instead of using a hose to clean floors
  • make sure all hoses have automatic shut-off nozzles
  • educate employees about the importance of using less water
  • post reminders to conserve water in places where it is used most
  • design landscaping to be water efficient
  • re-use water for landscaping