Mandatory water restrictions implemented for East Hants, N.S.

People in East Hants, N.S., are now under mandatory water restrictions.

Customers in East Hants, N.S., are now under mandatory water restrictions as much of the province continues to grapple with dry conditions well into October.

The Municipality of East Hants said residents of Enfield, Elmsdale and Lantz fell under mandatory restrictions at 2 p.m. Tuesday. The order does not apply to the community of Shubenacadie.

“The rain expected in the forecast is not anticipated to be enough to change conditions this week,” the municipality said in a social media post. “We are still encouraging residents in all other East Hants communities and rural areas to conserve water wherever possible. Your cooperation helps protect our water supply for everyone.”

East Hants officials say they will provide weekly updates to the public until mandatory restrictions are no longer needed. The restrictions include:

• no lawn watering
• no washing cars at home
• no pressure washing
• no filling pools or hot tubs

“The Bulk water station is open for household necessities only – not recreational use,” the municipality said. “The East Hants Aquatic Centre remains open and free potable water and showers are still available during operational hours.”

Several Nova Scotia communities have been dealing with drought-like conditions for the last three months.

A mandatory water restriction has been in place in the Dartmouth area since Sept. 10. West Hants imposed a water restriction on Sept. 4.

“We’ve had more resilience, luckily, than others,” said Jesse Hulsman, East Hants Regional Municipality, Infrastructure and Operations director.

“But it is time to be more serious about our water conditions, have mandatory restrictions instead of voluntary at this time, and we’re really looking to engage the public to help out and contribute any way they can.”

Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood is facing heat for her comments about dry conditions, encouraging residents to take matters into their own hands.

“Here’s the answer: Drill a well. Find a way,” read the Facebook post.

“This is not going away. It’s going to get worse. You need a drilled well. It’s not up to any level of government to drill your well, but there are programs that can assist.”

Mood says the water utility won’t be able to provide water in every drought season.

“All I’m saying is we’re going through a drought now. I’m also saying, and I did say it in the post, a drought is not an emergency anymore. It’s becoming a way of life. It’s been happening year after year after year. So, what do you do in that case? You start to prepare for the future.”

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