PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
2001-07-25

 
For further information contact:
Kevin Riley, Treatment Manager 546-1181 extension 2224

CITY-WIDE WATER RESTRICTONS
IN EFFECT UNTIL END OF SUMMER

Citing "dangerously low water levels" the City of Kingston announced this morning that effective immediately, residents of the entire City must limit the amount of water they are using for the rest of the summer. The need for water conservation is significant enough that Utilities Kingston has asked that the bylaw regulating and restricting the use of water be effective immediately, meaning that lawn watering can only be done on alternate days for the rest of the summer. This means that 'even numbered' civic addresses can water the lawn only on 'even numbered' days of the week. The lawn watering rule also applies to 'odd numbered' civic addresses who may water only on 'odd numbered' days of the week. Breaching the water restriction bylaw can result in "hefty" fines say City officials.

"Due to this dry, hot weather, the demand for water is increasing to well above normal levels", says Kevin Riley of Utilities Kingston. "This increased demand is putting extra stress on our water system, so we really need to people to respect the watering restriction. It's been a busy few days for work crews from Utilities Kingston. Just yesterday, (July 24th) a large water main break was reported on the feed line of the water system servicing Highway # 2. At that time, residents were asked to simply limit the amount of water consumption until the water main breakage could be repaired. Today's announcement however, means that enforcement of the water restriction bylaw is effect immediately.

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