Region issues outdoor water ban, but not for King, at least yet

It's that time of year, when residents are asked to watch their outdoor water consumption.

York Region Monday issued a Stage 2 mandatory outdoor water use ban for several areas surrounding King Township, including Aurora, Newmarket, Oak Ridges and Maple, but not for King itself.

Township Director of Operations Jody LaPlante said the order has "no impact to King, yet."

He added the Region has issued a Stage 1 outdoor water use advisory for the rest of York, including King.

Such an advisory is issued when water reservoir levels decline to 70 per cent. It calls upon residents to refrain from using municipal water for the purposes of watering lawns or gardens, washing vehicles, sidewalks or driveways, and filling or topping up swimming pools.

The Region asked residents to practice water conservation June 15. However, water levels have continued to decline due mainly to hot, humid and dry weather this month, resulting in increased outdoor water use.

The Stage 2 ban states "no person shall use municipal water from a hose, pipe, sprinkler or permanent irrigation system for the purposes of watering lawns or gardens, washing vehicles, sidewalks or driveways and filling or topping up swimming pools," according to a statement issued by the Region Monday. "Residents can be fined up to $5,000 for lawn watering in accordance with the municipal bylaw."

A Stage 2 Ban is issued when water reservoir levels decline to 50 per cent capacity.

King is also on standby to help Vaughan with water supplies in the event of a fire, Fire Chief Bryan Burbidge reported. He said it's part of a mutual aid agreement King has with other municipalities.

King benefited from such arrangements earlier this month, when crews from Vaughan, Bradford and Richmond Hill helped out with a stubborn fire in Pottageville.