TORONTO, July 6, 2026 – Summer outdoor water restrictions are now in effect across York Region municipalities. The region reminds residents that outdoor water-use schedules are set by each local municipality, and residents should check the rules for their own city rather than applying the rules of a neighbouring municipality to their address. Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan all use odd-even address rules, but permitted watering times, new lawn exemptions and enforcement dates are not exactly the same.
The City of Markham restricts lawn watering each year from June 1 to September 30. Odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered dates, and even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered dates. Residents may choose either the morning period from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. or the evening period from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., but they cannot water during both periods on the same day. Newly laid sod and newly seeded lawns have a two-month exemption period.
Richmond Hill’s restrictions are in effect from June 15 to September 30. Residential outdoor water use is also based on odd-even address numbers, but the permitted times are midnight to 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with watering limited to a maximum of four hours. The exemption period for new sod and new grass seed is one month.
Vaughan’s outdoor water restrictions run from May 15 to September 30. Residential properties may water from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the appropriate odd- or even-numbered dates. Rules for industrial, commercial and institutional properties are different from those for ordinary residential properties.
Summer watering rules have a greater impact on households with lawns, vegetable gardens, flower beds and automatic sprinkler systems. Newcomer residents, tenants and landlords may also face confusion over responsibility. Tenants may handle day-to-day yard maintenance, while a ticket or compliance notice may be sent to the property owner. Landscaping companies working on fixed schedules may also arrive on a date or during a time when watering is not permitted.
The City of Markham also reminds residents that standing water on private property can create problems. Plant saucers, children’s toys, decorative ponds and poorly maintained pools can become mosquito breeding areas if water remains for long periods. The city requires properties to maintain proper drainage, and pools, hot tubs and decorative ponds should be kept operating and clean.
Residents who are unsure about the rules for their property should check their local municipality first, rather than relying only on a York Region summary table or a neighbour’s practice. Before arranging landscaping service, laying new sod or installing an automatic sprinkler system, residents should confirm their address date, permitted watering hours and any new lawn exemption period to avoid violating municipal rules through routine watering habits.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
