The City of Montreal is exploring alternatives to using drinking water for some street-cleaning and watering operations, with pilot projects potentially getting underway next year, CityNews has learned.
Montreal currently uses potable water for “watering and cleaning activities,” a spokesperson said. This summer, the city had taken steps to reduce its water consumption following major repairs on one of Montreal’s main aqueducts underneath Atwater avenue.
Essential operations, including mechanical street sweeping, have since continued. However, the city has suspended the use of sidewalk-washing equipment and water trucks for occasional spot-cleaning on roadways.
Montreal said it is now identifying alternative sources of water for certain municipal operations.
One option being evaluated is the use of recovered water from splash pads for some operational activities.
The city is also working with internal partners to explore pilot projects for 2027 that would use non-potable water for watering and cleaning streets.
Other options being considered include collecting rainwater and using wells.
The city said the projects are still at a preliminary stage, with officials currently assessing the technical feasibility of the different options.
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