Water Wagon

What is the Water Wagon?

To increase the availability of Guelph’s tap water and reduce waste generated from disposable water bottles sold or served at special events, the Guelph Water Wagon is a free service available for large, outdoor community events that are open to the public. The Guelph Water Wagon offers eight self-serve stations, each with a water fountain head and bottle fill tap.

Where is the Water Wagon?

The Water Wagon’s 2024 Season is now complete.

New application deadline! Interested in booking the Guelph Water Wagon for your special event?

If you are hosting an event on City of Guelph property, like Riverside Park or Exhibition Park, please visit the City of Guelph Special Events page and complete an application. Application deadline for the 2024 service season is January 31, 2024. For all other events, please complete the Water Wagon application form. Application deadline for the 2024 service season is January 31, 2024. For more information about the Guelph Water Wagon call 519-822-1260 extension 2491 or email [email protected].

Conditions of service

A special event must meet the following conditions for inclusion of the Guelph Water Wagon:

  • Advance promotion of the Water Wagon and tap water service is required using the “Bring, Fill, Drink” graphic on all online and in print promotional material, including the event website’s landing (main) page. The City will provide graphic identities, usage guidelines and written consent to assist event organizers. Proof of “Bring, Fill, Drink” promotion will be requested.
  • Minimum event attendance of 500 people.
  • Not-for-profit events only, open to the public.
  • Event must occur May 1 through August 30. The event must be greater than two (2) hours in length. Any events occurring outside of these windows will be considered on a case by case basis.
  • No sale or distribution of bottled water by vendors or event organizers is permitted.
  • The Water Wagon must be situated in a prominent location with adequate room agreeable to City staff. Adjacent space is required for a Water Services outreach booth.
  • Dedicated volunteer assistance provided by the event organizers is required. The volunteer(s) must be the age of majority and must be available for training at the City of Guelph’s request (typically conducted on site, during the event).
  • A plan must be provided in the event of poor weather conditions in advance of the event (i.e. relocation, cancellation), and agreed to by City of Guelph staff.
  • A suitable live water connection (i.e. hose bib) must be available for large or multi-day events, or as determined by the Lead Hand Supply or their designate, at the discretion and approval of Guelph Water Service.
  • Water provided through Guelph’s Water Wagon is for drinking only. Vendors must source their own water or use another water source onsite for other event needs.
  • The event organizer will be required, in advance of the event, to sign an agreement with the City containing particulars of the event organizer’s obligations.
Guelph Water Wagon bring fill drink sticker

All applications that meet the terms and conditions will be scheduled based on availability. If there are multiple requests for the same date, events will be evaluated based on the goals of the Water Wagon service, including education and outreach opportunities, projected water use and location. Events that cannot be scheduled will be contacted to discuss alternate dates. Events submitted after the January 31 deadline will be scheduled based on availability. Events occurring outside Guelph will be considered on a case-by-case basis where the majority of attendees will be Guelph residents and the event organizer has requested and received written permission from the host municipality to provide this service within its jurisdiction. Servicing of events outside City of Guelph limits will be subject to full cost-recovery of the Water Wagon program by Water Services including, but not limited to, delivery, staffing, and removal fees. Provision of refillable water bottles by event organizers is encouraged; the City of Guelph will not provide refillable drinking vessels. If an event organizer wishes to pre-fill reusable water bottles or other drinking vessels, the event organizer must consult with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) to obtain written direction supporting such activities in advance of the event. A copy of the WDGPH’s written direction must be provided to the City no later than one week prior to the start of the event to support such practices. In the absence of WDGPH consultation and direction, the City will not support such activities.

Insurance coverage is necessary in order to protect yourself and the City against any possible litigation (lawsuits) as a result of your event. All groups using the Guelph Water Wagon must have Liability Insurance coverage. The type of insurance coverage required is Comprehensive General Liability, inclusive of bodily injury and property damage, in the amount of $2,000,000.00 per occurrence, and should be purchased through your local insurance provider or your organization’s insurance provider. The City requires a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Guelph as additional insured. The provision of the Guelph Water Wagon for the requested event is null and void if proof of insurance is not provided at least one (1) month in advance of the event date.

Please note: The Guelph Water Wagon provides emergency potable water supply to Guelph residents. In the unlikely event of an emergency, these situations take precedence over booked events, and Water Services staff reserves the right to cancel attendance at an event or remove the Water Wagon from an event in order to fulfill these duties. The City of Guelph considers attendance levels and event conditions when determining whether the event is suitable for Water Wagon attendance. If it is determined that an event is not suitable for Water Wagon attendance, participation may be declined despite meeting minimum conditions of service. Previous Water Wagon service at a recurring event does not guarantee Water Wagon attendance every year. The City of Guelph has no control over a mechanical malfunction of the Guelph Water Wagon during an event. In the unlikely event of a mechanical malfunction, the City of Guelph reserves the right to suspend service or remove the Water Wagon from an event. Events that fail to adhere to the terms and conditions of the water wagon service, or provide misinformation with regards to the terms and conditions outlined herein, may be subject to full cost-recovery of the Water Wagon’s participation in an event or withdrawal of the Water Wagon services up to and including the day of the event.

For more information

Contact 519-822-1260 extension 2491 or [email protected].