How the city is using water responsibly

We carefully consider environmental, health and safety, and equity concerns when making decisions about water use.

Learn how we use water responsibly across city services to reduce demand on our local water supply.

On this page:

  1. Being water wise in Waterloo
  2. Rainwater and non-drinking water
  3. Parks and sports fields
  4. Splash pads and fountains
  5. City buildings and vehicles
  6. Watermain maintenance and repairs
  7. Be water wise at home

Being water wise in Waterloo

We’ve always been focused on keeping the water in Waterloo and using water responsibly across city services.

If water restrictions are in effect, we can adjust how we work to further reduce water use and make sure it’s used responsibly. 

The Region of Waterloo’s Water Conservation Bylaw guides water use in the community to help lower daily use and the peak demands that can strain the water system. 

We are reviewing the City of Waterloo Water Use Bylaw to make sure we have the tools to respond when water use is wasteful or a problem.

Rainwater harvesting and non-potable water use

We have a long history of using rainwater harvesting and non-potable (not-for-drinking) water across city operations.

Waterloo Service Centre 

At the Waterloo Service Centre, we use rainwater harvesting and a non-drinking water well to support:

  • greenhouse operations
  • mobile watering for planting beds, hanging baskets and trees
  • washing vehicles

RIM Park

At RIM Park, we collect rainwater from 2 artificial turf fields and use it to water 4 natural turf fields.

Parks and sports fields

We balance responsible water use with protecting trees and turf and keeping spaces safe and usable.

Green spaces and trees

We care for grass and trees in ways that reduce water use:

  • let grass grow slightly longer to keep moisture in the soil, shade roots and improve drought tolerance
  • use non-drinking water bags on new trees to help roots grow
  • water less in lower use areas

During hot summer months, we may allow turf to go dormant and turn yellow until cooler temperatures and rainfall return. 

Sports fields

We water sports fields based on how they are used to protect the turf from wear and tear.

This is important because:

  • well-maintained fields are safer for players
  • if fields become damaged, they cannot be used
  • repair or replacement can be costly

We water fields during off-peak hours to help manage demand.

Splash pads and fountains

Splash and spray pads are an important way for people to cool off during hot weather. They do not use re-circulated water.

To keep these cooling spaces available while using water responsibly, we may reduce splash and spray pad hours this summer.

Check splash pad locations and hours.

Fountains

The city's decorative fountains are designed to cycle water for reuse. We top water lost to evaporation with non-drinking water.

This summer, the misting feature on the Silver Lake tree sculpture at Waterloo Park will not be used.

City buildings and vehicles

We reduce water use in city buildings and operations wherever possible.

At city facilities, we:

  • use water-saving devices in sinks, showers and toilets
  • check for leaks and fix them quickly
  • upgrade to water-efficient appliances, including Energy Star
  • install more water-efficient fixtures during building upgrades

We have changed how we run food services, ice making and window cleaning to reduce or eliminate water use. We also train staff to use water responsibly.

We only wash city vehicles and fire trucks when needed for maintenance, health and safety.

Watermain maintenance and repairs

The City of Waterloo is responsible for supplying water to all our customers, including residents and businesses.

We maintain the system to help reduce water waste, including leak detection and regular water audits.

This summer, we will pause watermain flushing to reduce water use.

Flushing removes the natural mineral buildup in pipes that happens over time. Pausing this work will not affect water quality.

Be water wise at home

Find tips from the Region of Waterloo to help you reduce water use in and around your home.

The Region’s Water Conservation Bylaw is in effect from May 31 to September 30. The bylaw helps lower daily water use and reduce high demand during busy times, which can strain the water system.