Peterborough Residents Urged to Reduce Water Consumption Amid Dry Conditions

The City of Peterborough is urging residents to reduce water consumption due to low water conditions throughout the area.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This follows after Otonabee Conservation declared a Level 1 drought due to dry conditions across the region following significantly reduced rainfall and extended periods of heat through June and July.

A decline in rainfall and an increase in high-temperature days have resulted in low streamflow, putting pressure on water supplies throughout the region.

During Level 1 drought conditions, Otonabee Conservation recommends a 10 per cent voluntary reduction in water consumption to help ease pressure on local water supplies. Residents and businesses are asked to limit non-essential water use, including lawn watering, car washing, pool filling and other outdoor water activities.

During these dry conditions, residents and visitors are reminded that smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in all City of Peterborough parks, sports fields, playgrounds, splashpads, wading pools and beaches, except in designated smoking areas.

These restrictions help reduce the risk of fire and support public health. This is enforced under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking Bylaw.

Open-air burning is not permitted in the City of Peterborough. This includes any outdoor fires such as bonfires, campfires and the burning of yard waste. These activities pose a risk to public safety and can have serious consequences, especially in densely populated areas.   

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) approved fire bowls, fire-pit tables and barbeques that burn propane or natural gas are examples of approved appliances that may be used. Chimineas and other wood-burning devices are not approved appliances for open-air fires.  

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.