The heat wave is continuing in Weyburn and is expected to linger around until the weekend. The long stretch of 30° days and no precipitation has many people getting out the sprinklers and hoses for their lawns. However, when watering a lawn in Weyburn, there are rules that are in effect thanks to a bylaw that was passed in 2018, and it remains in effect.  

“Basically, the concept of it is to not waste water,” explained Jennifer Wilkinson. She is the City of Weyburn’s director of engineering. “We do request that residents follow the water bylaw. With that, it’s what we call Waterless Wednesday. We ask people to not water their lawns or gardens on Wednesdays.” 

So when can you water your lawn? It depends entirely on your address.  

For those who have an odd-numbered street address, they can water their lawns and gardens on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Those with an even-numbered street address can water on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.  

The time of watering is limited as well, with it only permitted outside the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

“The big thing behind it is, especially when you get those hot temperatures, as you’re putting water on it’s basically evaporating off, so it’s actually not going to help you garden or lawn,” Wilkinson added. “You’re better off to water early in the morning or later in the evening, and then it’s actually better for your plants.” 

There are some exceptions to the bylaw. Those who have new lawns generally need to water more frequently. Those who do have a newly seeded or newly sodded lawn can request an exemption. 

“It does allow you additional watering time for a three-week period,” said Wilkinson. The exemptions can be applied for through the City of Weyburn website.