What You Need to Know about the New Drinking Water By-Law

The new By-law aims to regulate the use of drinking water in order to conserve and preserve the quality and quantity of the resource from the Town’s drinking water distribution network. Indeed, this by-law only applies to properties served by the Town’s drinking water distribution network (water main). However, all well owners should also pay attention to their drinking water consumption.

Here are some of the new provisions of By-law 345, in effect since June 13, 2025:

Watering

At all times, it is forbidden to water lawns with water from the Town’s drinking water distribution network.

It is permitted to water from May 1 to October 1, between 6 a.m.and 9 a.m. and between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., other plants, using water from the drinking water distribution network with a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle, a sprinkler, or an automatic watering system.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, watering other plants is permitted at all times using a hand watering can, a rain barrel, or a private well. Watering other plants using a micro-irrigation system is also permitted at all times, provided it is connected to a tap.

New Lawn and Landscaping

It is nevertheless permitted, after obtaining a certificate of authorization issued by the Town, and according to the specified periods and times, to water a new lawn for a period of 15 days following the start of seeding, planting, or sod installation work.

Automatic Watering Systems

No new automatic watering system may be installed as of the effective date of this By-law.

For systems existing prior to the effective date of this By-law, any automatic watering system must be upgraded or replaced by January 1^st, 2027 to include the devices required by the by-law, or be decommissioned.

Filling of Cisterns or Tanks

It is forbidden to fill a cistern or a tank using the Town’s drinking water distribution network.

Filling and Construction of Pools, Spas, and Landscape Ponds

The annual filling of a pool, spa, or landscape pond from the drinking water distribution network is permitted only before June 1. Once the annual filling is completed, the weekly filling of a pool or spa is permitted at all times between 8 p.m.and 6 a.m. for a maximum duration of 15 minutes.

Any landscape pond, whether or not it includes water jets, waterfalls, or fountains, must be equipped with a functional system ensuring water recirculation. Continuous water supply from the drinking water distribution network is prohibited. For existing landscape ponds, they must be upgraded or replaced with a compliant system by January 1, 2027.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any new pool, spa, or landscape pond constructed from January 1, 2027, onwards cannot be filled with water from the drinking water distribution network and must be self-sufficient for its annual filling. They must also be equipped with precipitation collection/storage systems to ensure their weekly filling.

However, it is permitted to use water from the drinking water distribution network during the installation of a new pool to maintain the structure’s shape.

Any new pool or spa constructed from January 1, 2027, onwards must be equipped with an anti-evaporation cover.

Furthermore, to limit water evaporation, the owner of a landscape pond must establish or maintain shrub and tree cover around the perimeter of the water body, in order to provide shade to the water and thus reduce its warming.

Vehicles, Driveways, Access Lanes, Sidewalks, Street, Patios, or Exterior Walls of a Building

Washing a vehicle is permitted on Mondays and Tuesdays, provided a wash bucket or a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off device is used. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the washing of industrial, commercial, or institutional vehicles and truck containers (bins) is permitted at all times to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (IAS) and for vehicle maintenance.

The washing of driveways, access lanes, parking lots, and sidewalks is prohibited at all times except for asphalt work, sealant application, painting, or staining, provided a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle is used during the period of use.

The washing of patios or exterior walls of a building is permitted before June 1^st or during painting, construction, renovation, or landscaping work justifying their cleaning, provided a hand-held hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle is used during the period of use.

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Compressors

It is forbidden to install any open-circuit system, including air conditioning, refrigeration, compressor, or heating systems, that use drinking water. Any system of this type installed prior to the effective date of this By-law must be replaced before January 1, 2027.

Notwithstanding the first paragraph of this article, it is permitted to use an air conditioning, refrigeration, or heating system when it is connected to a closed water recirculation loop on which regular maintenance is performed.

Golf Courses and Ski Resorts

It is forbidden to water a golf course using the Town’s drinking water distribution network. The same applies to snow production for a ski resort.

Commercial and Agricultural Uses

It is forbidden to use drinking water from the drinking water distribution network for agricultural uses (irrigation, watering livestock, etc.), including commercial nurseries.

It is forbidden to sell or, outside the municipal territory, distribute untreated drinking water from the drinking water distribution network.

To consult all applicable provisions:
By-law number 345 titled “By-law Concerning the Use and Preservation of Drinking Water” (in French only)

To learn more about drinking water in Sutton, consult the following 4 informative capsules:
Drinking Water in Sutton (#1 of 4) – Situation Overview
Drinking Water in Sutton (#2 of 4) – Residential and Commercial Use and Consequences of Overuse
Drinking Water in Sutton (#3 of 4) – Resource Management
Drinking Water in Sutton (#4 of 4) – Rainwater Storage and Use