City bans non-essential water use and extends heat warning another week

Hamilton has announced a mandatory ban on all non-essential outdoor water use duringthe coming week.

The water restriction was initially voluntarybut on Saturday morning the city announced it had been upgraded, despite the ongoing heatwave, because of construction at the Woodward Water Treatment Plant.

"The mandatory ban is in place to prevent low or no water pressure, or not enough water for fighting fires," reads a media release.

In a release, the city noteswork at the plant could affect theplant's capacity to treat water until Monday, July 13.

"This construction project was scheduled to be complete before the hot weather brought increased demand on the water supply," it reads."However, delays to the project require this precautionary step to ensure the water supply in Hamilton is not interrupted."

The conservation efforts are targeted toward residents in all parts of the city including Stoney Creek, Dundas, Ancaster, Waterdown, Flamborough and Glanbrook.

Residents with private wells and those living inCarlisle, Freelton, Greensville and Lynden on the local municipal well systems don't need to worry about the restriction.

While people can still hand-water flowers and vegetable gardens or water newly installed sod,they should try and avoidwatering lawns, using sprinklersor filling large pools.

The city said it is also reducing its own irrigation in flower islands, sports fields and golf courses.

Heatwave

Spray pads will continue to operate because of the heatwave.

Hamilton Public Health extended the heat warning on Friday to stretch into the weekend.

Forecasts from Environment Canada show the coolest period over the next six days will be 22 C next Wednesday night. Most other days will see daytime highs of at least 30 C.

Public Health is asking the public to drink water, stay in the shade and air-conditioned environments, dress to protect from the heat, avoid vigorous activity and avoid leaving children and pets inside vehicles alone.