Major change to the Règlement sur la protection de la ressource en eau: lawn watering is now prohibited at all times

With summer just around the corner, the Ville de Vaudreuil-Dorion would like to remind residents that a major change was made last fall to its Règlement sur la protection de la ressource en eau. Effective January 1, 2026, this amendment to the bylaw stipulates that watering lawns with potable water is now prohibited at all times. Only the watering of a new lawn is permitted, following the issuance of a permit and under certain conditions

Every summer, the City observes a marked increase in drinking water consumption. In 2024, average summer consumption in Vaudreuil-Dorion was 15,450 m³/day, compared to 11,900 m³/day in winter. It is estimated that 50% of this difference is directly attributable to lawn watering. As evidence, during watering periods, flow can reach 50,000 m³/day, nearly five times the daily flow in winter.

An essential resource that must be prioritized

This increased pressure on the system, particularly during peak periods, can strain infrastructure, raise public costs, and reduce the ability to respond to emergencies. Limiting non-essential uses therefore helps protect both the resource and municipal infrastructure.

Drinking water is not an inexhaustible resource. Its treatment, distribution, and storage require significant effort. It is essential to reserve it primarily for critical and essential uses: human consumption, hygiene, fire safety, and food supply.

Despite all the awareness campaigns carried out in the past, the situation remains the same year after year. And often, the City is forced to impose a ban on lawn watering during the summer months to conserve water resources. That is why the City Council has decided to make the ban on lawn watering official and permanent through its regulations. The City is taking action to prevent critical situations rather than responding to emergencies.

“Drinking water should only be used for our essential needs, such as drinking, cooking, washing, and tending to our vegetable gardens. During droughts, grass goes dormant to protect itself. When the rain returns, it turns green again and regains its vigor. Drinking water is a precious resource; we all have a duty to avoid wasting it on non-essential uses,” explains Mayor Paul Dumoulin. “Beyond environmental concerns, this is also a matter of safety. Significant overconsumption can deplete our available water reserves and hinder emergency services’ ability to respond effectively in the event of a fire.”

Government targets to be met

The City must also comply with government guidelines on water management. One of the goals of the Stratégie québécoise d’économie d’eau potable is to reduce consumption by 20% compared to 2015. To date, Vaudreuil-Dorion has achieved an 8% reduction, which means that further efforts are needed.

These measures are part of a comprehensive approach aimed at the sustainable and responsible use of water across Quebec, and all municipalities in Quebec must comply with them.

Watering landscapes

Unlike lawns, flowers and vegetable gardens need water to survive. Manual watering (using a hose nozzle) of landscapes remains permitted at all times. Mechanical or automatic watering of these plants is subject to specific days and times, for single-family homes as well as for institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) properties. This schedule is available on the City’s website.

Automatic sprinkler system

As stipulated in Regulation No. 1821 since 2021, sprinkler systems connected to a parallel water supply (well or watercourse) remain permitted, provided proof of connection is provided.

Practical solutions for conserving drinking water

In 2026, the City increased the subsidy for purchasing a rainwater collection barrel, which can be used to water flower beds, flowers, and gardens. Residents are eligible for financial assistance of up to $100 toward the purchase of a rainwater collection barrel, limited to two barrels per household per year.

Ecological lawns require little maintenance and are resistant to heat and drought. The Environment Division is available to offer advice and support on this topic. It can be reached at environnement@ville.vaudreuil-dorion.qc.ca or at 450-455-3371.

Please note that, since 2013, the zoning bylaw has prohibited the installation of synthetic or artificial turf in yards, with the exception of home-based daycare facilities. This applies to residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) areas alike.

The Règlement sur la protection de la ressource en eau is available on the City’s website, along with tips for reducing consumption.