Lunenburg, N.S., residents and businesses are still being asked to conserve water following a dam breach in the area. Emergency officials, engineers, and contractors first responded to the breach at the Dares Lake dam, which serves as the town’s drinking water source, around 4 p.m. Wednesday. People were asked to conserve water and reduce all non-essential water use about an hour later. The town says response efforts continued Thursday morning following a pause overnight “due to darkness and site safety considerations.” The latest update from the Lunenburg Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) says water conservation remains critical. “The breach has impacted critical water infrastructure, and all customers connected to the Town of Lunenburg municipal water system are asked to eliminate all non-essential water use,” reads a post on social media. Water should only be used for essentials, such as drinking, cooking, sanitation and hygiene. “Every litre conserved helps protect the community’s available water supply while crews work to restore access to the site and assess critical infrastructure,” the post adds. Residents are also being reminded to stay away from the Dares Lake area while emergency crews and contractors are working. The town says there is still no immediate risk to public safety and updates will be shared as more information becomes available. Closures, cancellations South Shore Regional Centre for Education (SSRCE) says Bluenose Academy is closed Thursday due to the incident. “SSRCE is monitoring the issue and communicating with the town. We understand this is frustrating for students and staff who were looking forward to the first day of school,” reads a post on the school’s Facebook page. The Town of Lunenburg’s Community Centre is also closed. Thursday’s Lunenburg Farmers’ Market has changed location to the Blockhouse Fire Hall for vendors with harvested perishable products. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
