Water Conservation

Conservation Order

The Water Conservation Order has been in place since 2002 and applies to all outside uses of water in the City of St. John's. The conservation order was introduced to promote wise water use by residents year round and limits water use for certain activities. Failure to comply with this order may result in prosecution and imposition of a fine of up to $5,000.

Commercial car washes and commercial high pressure water uses are exempt from this order.

Lawn and Garden Watering

• If your street number is even, you can water your lawn between 6 and 8 a.m., and 8 and 10 p.m., Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• If your street number is odd, you can water between 6 and 8 a.m., and 8 and 10 p.m., Thursdays and Sundays.
• For a new lawn, you can water between 6 and 8 a.m. and 8 and 10 p.m. every day for a period of 60 days following installation. Contact Access St. John's at 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489) to register your new lawn.
• You can hand water your garden with a watering can or hose with a shut off nozzle at any time.
• You can wash your car or clean your windows and siding any time, as long as you use a hose with a shut off nozzle.

Conserve Water at Home

Here are some tips on how you can make a difference

Be Water-Wise in Daily Habits

Small changes in your routine can save hundreds of litres of water each month:

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving
• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full
• Take shorter showers
• Scrape dishes instead of pre-rinsing
• Use a dish rack or pan for rinsing when hand-washing dishes
• Rinse fruits/vegetables in a pan instead of under running water
• Compost food waste instead of using a garbage disposal
  
  

Fix Leaks & Upgrade Fixtures

Leaky faucets, pipes, and toilets can waste thousands of litres of water per year:

• Fix leaks promptly, both indoors and out
• Replace old toilets with high-efficiency models
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
• Insulate hot water pipes to reduce wait time for hot water
• Turn off taps tightly after use
  
  

Rethink Your Outdoor Water Use

Outdoor water waste is a major concern, especially in warmer months. Washing cars, watering lawns and filling pools use a lot of water. For example, a garden hose left running can use over 2,000 litres of water per hour! This extra demand on our freshwater resources can result in a ban on outside water. Rethink your outdoor water use:

• Water your lawn only on designated days and times under the Water Conservation Order
• Help protect the environment by following these tips on draining your pool
• Use mulch around plants to retain moisture
• Ensure sprinklers are only watering your lawn and garden, and not driveways, sidewalks, and roads. Avoid windy days that will disrupt efficient water use. 
• Plant drought-tolerant or native species that require less water
• Adjust lawn mower to a higher setting to retain moisture
• Avoid water toys with continuous flow
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them down
• Wash cars using a bucket or hose with automatic shut-off nozzle
• Don’t leave sprinklers or hoses unattended—set a timer
• Direct downspouts toward trees/shrubs or collect rainwater

Every Drop Counts

Water is one of our most vital—and limited—resources. By making thoughtful choices at home, in the garden, and in the community, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: every drop counts.