Outdoor watering permitted every other day beginning July 12 following strong conservation efforts by residents

Town of Tillsonburg residents can perform every other day outdoor watering beginning Wednesday, July 12, 2023. This follows favourable weather patterns and strong participation by Tillsonburg residents in reducing outdoor water use, which combined have led to more stable groundwater supply conditions.

Tillsonburg was placed under outdoor water use restrictions in June following dry weather and an increase in seasonal outdoor (maximum day) water use. If there is a return to unseasonably low precipitation and higher than average temperatures, or an above-average increase in outdoor water use, it is possible that increased water conservation measures may be put back into place.

General water-saving practices are recommended for all Oxford County residents to help create a culture of water conservation, ensuring the daily water use needs of residents and businesses are met and that water storage is maintained for critical fire-fighting needs.

Simple actions that can help reduce outdoor water use include:

• watering less to cultivate a healthy and resilient lawn with deep roots;
• layering gardens with mulch to help keep in moisture; and,
• using a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering.

Oxford County sells rain barrels to residents at a discounted price: call 519-539-9800 or toll-free 1-866-537-7778.

For more information or to check outdoor water usage for Oxford County’s water systems, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/waterconservation.

Quick facts

• Outdoor water use (by hose or attachment) is permitted every other day between May 1 and September 30 under Oxford County By-law No. 4193-2002. The by-law helps ensure an adequate water supply for all residents and businesses while maintaining water storage so water is available for critical fire-fighting needs.
• Under the by-law, even-numbered addresses are permitted to water on even-numbered days and odd-numbered addresses on odd days between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. or 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. Hand watering with a watering can or container is allowed any time.
• Oxford County relies entirely on groundwater for its water supply. Groundwater is more vulnerable to overuse because groundwater supplies taking longer to replenish.

About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 130,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.