Home > Menu not found

Consumption of drinking water

What are the regulations regarding drinking water consumption in Pointe-Claire? What can I do to reduce my own water consumption? Here is all you need to know about the water consumption and the municipal regulation.

New by-law on the usage of drinking water in effect since June 4, 2024

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.

We often take for granted one of our most precious resources: drinking water.

Without even realizing it, we consume hundreds of liters of water every single day. To encourage responsible management and consumption of this resource, the City of Pointe-Claire has adopted a municipal by-law on water usage aimed at reducing waste and encouraging the proper use of water on its territory.

By-law on the usage of drinking water

This regulation, which has been in force since June 4, 2024, is in line with the orientations of the City’s 2023-2030 Strategic Plan and is geared towards implementing concrete actions to accelerate the ecological transition of the City and the community.

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).
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.
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.

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.

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 from the by-law

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.

Reducing your consumption of drinking water

Adopting sustainable water consumption habits can greatly help the environment and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some tips on how to consume water responsibly:

Distribution of water saving kits

To encourage the community to take concrete action regarding their water consumption, the City is distributing water-saving kits to citizens, free of charge. This environmental initiative was launched in 2023 and has enabled citizens to better manage their water usage at home.

The 2024 kits include several water-saving items, including a shower head, kitchen aerator and bathroom aerator, as well as leak detection pills and Teflon tape to prevent wasting water through leaks.

Installation of a rain barrel

The City offers a low-cost rainwater barrel to reduce your consumption of drinking water.

The water collected by the barrel can be used to water your garden, wash your car and clean your property, and does not require the use of water from the City’s water distribution network.

You can obtain it at the Multiservice counter at City Hall (MULTI card required). For more information, visit our Rain Barrel webpage.

Additonal information:

Public Works: 514 630-1230, tp@pointe-claire.ca

Reduce indoor water use

  • Dishwashing – Wait until the dishwasher is completely full before turning it on. If you wash dishes by hand, fill the sink with water rather than letting the water run.
  • Food – Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator. Soak your fruits and vegetables to wash them rather than rinsing them under running water.
  • Faucets – Turn the faucets off when you are soaping your hands, brushing your teeth or shaving. You can also install an aerator in the faucets to reduce your water consumption.
  • Bathroom – Reduce your shower time. Take a shower rather than a bath. You can also replace your showerhead with one that uses less water. When replacing your toilet bowl, choose a low-flow model.
  • Laundry – When using your washing machine, make sure it is filled to capacity.
  • Household appliances – Many appliances are Energy Star certified, which means that they save on water and energy.
  • Leaks – Repairing leaks saves thousands litres of water a year: “One drop of water leaking from your faucet per second represents one litre of water per hour, which is equivalent to 9,540 litres of water per year. Often, simply replacing the seal washer is all it takes to fix the problem.”

Reduce outdoor water use

  • Rain barrel – Set up a barrel in your yard to collect rainwater and use it to water your flowerbeds and lawn. You can even use this water to wash your car. You can purchase a low-cost barrel at City Hall: Rain Barrel
  • Watering – It is recommended that you water early in the morning or after the sun has set to avoid water loss through evaporation—if watering is necessary.
  • Garden hose – Use a nozzle to limit water flow and direct the water to the desired location. If you can, set up a drip irrigation system, which saves a lot of water.
  • Swimming pool – To minimize evaporation, it is recommended that you cover your pool with a solar cover when it is not in use. This will also help to raise the water temperature.
  • Pool opening – To reduce water consumption during peak hours, fill your pool in the evening or at night.

Be a positive change

It is possible to assess your drinking water consumption by means of your annual bill. This allows you to know exactly how much drinking water you use and to assess the impact of your daily consumption. This user-pay formula encourages action to limit wastage, while preserving this precious natural resource.

For more information, you can also consult the Government of Quebec’s article on saving water at home (French).