Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe impose water restrictions

CBC News Posted: Jul 15, 2012 5:05 PM AT Last Updated: Jul 15, 2012 5:55 PM AT

Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe are telling residents to cut back on water use, especially for watering lawns and washing cars.

Those people living at odd numbered civic addresses can only water on odd numbered days, and people living at even numbered addresses can only water on even numbered days.

The municipalities say watering lawns must be done before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., and is restricted to two hours a day.

Suggestions for water conservation:

Using a bucket and sponge to wash your car, rather than a hose.

Keep water in the fridge instead of running tap water and waiting for it to get cold.

Use a barrel to collect rainwater from your downspouts. Collected rainwater can be used for garden and lawn watering.

Use water-efficient fixtures in the home, as showers/baths account for about 30 per cent of indoor water use and toilets account for about 35 per cent.

But many residents say they had no idea there are restrictions.

JoAnn Shaban says she didn't know she was breaking the rules. The Riverview resident was watering her lawn Sunday on the wrong day and at the wrong time.

"I haven't heard anything about it, I was surprised, but it sounds like it's a good idea," Shaban said.

Joanne Murray, who lives in Moncton, says she too was unaware of the water restrictions.

"I think water conservation is good obviously, but for me personally that would be hard to keep track of, — the hours of the day, the even numbered days, that would be just more complicated.

Since moving to Moncton, Murray says she is more conscientious about limiting her water usage.

"The water is metered here in Moncton, so if you're running the sprinkler all day and night it's going to cost you money. So we probably never thought about it in Riverview. But we were just as guilty as the neighbours with the sprinklers," Murray said.

In Riverview and Dieppe, residents pay a pre-determined amount for their water, whether they use a little or a lot.