By-law on the usage of drinking water
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Note that the City offers a grace period to enable residents to modify their consumption habits and adopt best practices when it comes to water usage. As a result, only warnings will be issued to those who fail to comply to this by-law during the 2024 summer season. |
The City of Pointe-Claire has been enforcing its municipal by-law concerning the use of drinking water across its territory since June 4, 2024. This by-law was adopted as part of the City’s 2023-2030 Strategic Plan regarding ecological transition and resilience.
Through this new by-law, the City will put in place the necessary measures to reduce water waste and promote good water usage habits.
The different types of property watering methods
There are several ways to cater to your lawn, garden and property and its watering needs. It is important to distinguish between the three types of watering methods and their adequate usage under the by-law.
| Watering method | Description | Images | |
| Automatic watering | Any watering appliance connected to the distribution network and operated automatically, including electronic or underground devices (e.g. outdoor sprinklers). |  |
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| Manual watering | Watering with a hose, connected to the distribution network, fitted with a handheld release closure when in use. It also includes watering with a container. |  |
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| Mechanical watering | Any watering appliance, connected to the distribution network, that must be switched on and off manually without having to be hand-held during the period of use. |  |
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What does this regulation entail for residents?
Residents of Pointe-Claire must comply with the following regulations:
What does this regulation entail for businesses in Pointe-Claire?
Businesses operating on the territory of Pointe-Claire and who utilize the City’s water distribution network will be asked to comply with the conditions defined in this by-law. In addition to complying with the above regulations, here are a few other rules that apply to businesses, industries and commercial sectors on the territory.
| Regulation related to water usage | Mesure |
| Plumbing of facilities | Plumbing work carried out after June 4, 2024, must comply with the Québec Construction Code, Chapter III — Plumbing, and the Quebec Safety Code, Chapter I — Plumbing, latest versions. |
| Air conditioning, refrigeration, and compressor systems | Any such system that uses drinking water from the City’s distribution network is prohibited. Units installed prior to June 4, 2024 must be replaced by January 1st, 2027. |
| Replacement, relocation, and disconnection of a service connection | A permit is required for such work. The business must also pay for excavation, cut-off repairs and all other costs related to the project. This also applies to the installation of service pipes for automatic sprinkler systems. |
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Automatic flush urinals fitted with a drainage tank |
It is prohibited to install automatic flush urinals with a drainage tank that uses drinking water from the City’s network. Existing urinals of this type must be replaced by January 1st, 2027, with manual flush or presence detector urinals. |
| Car wash | Any automatic car wash using water from the City’s network must be equipped with a functional system of water recovery, recycling and recirculation. If the current system does not, it must be replaced by January 1st, 2027. |
| Energy source | It is prohibited to use the pressure or flow of the drinking water distribution system as an energy source or to power any machine, except in the event of a power failure. |
Penalties
Residents must comply with this by-law right away, however no fines or penalties will be given to any person who contravenes until the spring of 2025.
As of the spring of 2025, any person who contravenes the water usage by-law commits an offence and is liable:
In the case of a natural person:
- To a fine of $100 à $300 for a first offence;
- To a fine of $300 to $500 for a second offence;
- To a fine of $500 to $1,000 for each subsequent offence.
In the case of a legal person:
- To a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 for a first offence;
- To a fine of $2,000 to $3,000 for a second offence;
- To a fine of $3,000 to $4,000 for each subsequent offence.
In all cases, administration costs are added to the fine. More substantial fines may be awarded depending on the specific circumstance and the offence committed.
Information
To consult the full by-law, visit the Municipal By-Laws webpage. For more information about City by‑laws, contact Legal Affairs and City Clerk’s Office at 514-630-1228 or by emailing greffe@pointe-claire.ca.