York lifts voluntary Stage 1 Outdoor Water Use Advisory
Residents thanked for cooperation

York Region lifted the voluntary Stage 1 Outdoor Water Use Advisory Thursday that had been in effect in the area municipalities (including King) for much of July and August.

Recent cooler weather and increased rainfall, along with ongoing conservation by residents, has allowed water reserves to increase, the Region reported in making the announcement.

The Region would like to thank residents for their ongoing cooperation in helping to keep water levels in Regional reservoirs stable throughout a very hot and dry summer.

Environment Canada has reported that this was the driest summer in 50 years.

With cooperation from residents and new water supply infrastructure, York required only a voluntary advisory for most areas. The exceptions included two brief, localized mandatory Stage 2 Outdoor Water Use Bans in Aurora, Newmarket and the communities of Oak Ridges and Maple from June 25 to July 5, and in Aurora and Oak Ridges from Aug. 2 to 13.

Next year, many of these areas are expected to get further relief when new water supply projects are completed. The Region continues to invest in new water supply infrastructure. In addition, York conserves more than 20 million litres of water per day through the award-winning Water for Tomorrow program.

With the Stage 1 Advisory lifted, residents are requested to continue to follow their local water use by-laws.