Why are water conservation measures put in place?
Limits are established by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on how much water can be drawn from lakes or from aquifers. These limits are determined by average levels of consumption by communities. Municipalities cannot exceed the limits determined by the MOE without being subjected to potential charges under the Safe Drinking Water Act. During times of hot, dry weather, when water demand doubles or triples, the demand can exceed supply, dropping reservoir levels to the point where no extra water is available for emergencies (such as fire fighting).
