Wrenford will move to Stage 3 outdoor watering restrictions starting Monday, August 10, 2026. The new rules apply to all residential and commercial properties across the city and aim to reduce peak summer demand on the Tamsin River water supply.
Stage 3 tightens the rules for watering lawns, gardens, and commercial landscapes. Under Stage 3, the schedule is:
- Even addresses: Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Odd addresses: Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Only hand-held hoses or drip irrigation systems are allowed during these windows. Automatic sprinklers and soaker hoses are no longer permitted. If you have a Smart Irrigation Certification, your automated system may still water during Stages 1 to 3, provided it uses weather and soil moisture sensors and has achieved a 25 per cent annual water reduction.
You can still hand-water trees, shrubs, and vegetable gardens at any time. Splash pads and outdoor pools remain open, as they use user-activated controls or follow health authority guidelines.
"We are asking residents to change their habits, and we are changing ours too," says Patrick Nguyen, Water Operations Manager. "Conserving water now protects our drinking supply and keeps pressure stable for everyone during the hottest weeks of the year."
The City is adjusting its own practices to meet the new standards. Crews will pause watering of lawns and grass boulevards, reduce watering schedules for sand- and soil-based playing fields, hand-water all trees and shrubs, and turn off decorative fountains at City facilities. Vehicle washing will be limited to safety-related cleaning, and power washing will only be used for health and safety reasons or surface preparation.
To make the switch easier, you can grab a free Water Conservation Toolkit from your local library branch. The kit includes a flow meter bag, drip gauge, and faucet aerators. You can also book a free home water audit to catch hidden leaks and save on your water and sewer bill.
Sign up for service alerts to get text and email updates about water conservation measures and main flushing schedules. For the full list of rules, exemptions, and reporting procedures, visit the outdoor water restrictions and guidelines page.