People following mandatory measures, but Halifax Water supply still low

Water levels are still low across Nova Scotia as the dry weather continues.

Fall may be right around the corner, but the impacts of the hot, dry summer are still being felt.

Water levels are low, with no signs of improvement. In an effort to help the water supply, Halifax Water brought in mandatory measures for those on the Lake Major supply about 10 days ago.

“We have seen our customers actually following our restrictions and we have seen about a five per cent decrease in demand on the system since then,” said Brittany Smith with Halifax Water.

The mandatory measures include no watering lawns, washing vehicles, filling pools or watering golf courses. These measures are considered as part of stage one, but Halifax Water is looking at stage two, though there’s no timeline set for when measures could escalate.

“Our teams are working on exactly what stage two would look like and were in conversations with our big commercial users, working with them to see if they can decrease any of their demand,” said Smith.

Residents on Lake Major are also being asked to flush toilets less often, shorten showers, turn off the tap when you don’t need it, and wash only full loads of laundry and dishes. Those serviced by Pockwock Lake remain on voluntary measures at this time.

“A significant amount over several days, so several days of consistent rain, and unfortunately, a few millimetres here and there… Everything helps, but it’s unfortunately not enough to lift any restrictions, so they’ll be in place until further notice,” said Smith.

Drinking water available

As the dry weather drags on, Halifax Regional Municipality said many residents with private wells are reporting shortages or completely dry systems.

As a result, drinking water is available for pickup at several locations around the municipality for those impacted. Residents can collect four litres of water per person per day and water for pets on Wednesdays and Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The locations include:

• Station 23 – 5543 Nova Scotia Trunk 7, Head of Chezzetcook

• Station 39 – 14 Highway 336, Upper Musquodoboit

• Station 47 – 2040 Old Guysborough Road, Goffs

• Station 48 – 1581 Beaverbank Road, Beaverbank

• Station 50 – 2050 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains

• Station 56 – 8579 St Margarets Bay Road, Black Point

• Station 62 – 2417 Old Sambro Road, Williamswood

• Samuel Balcom Community Center – 25718 Nova Scotia Trunk 7, Port Dufferin

• Prospect Road Community Centre – 2141 Prospect Road, Hatchet Lake

Water is also available at the Sheet Harbour Ground Search and Rescue Facility at 44 Behie Road on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Showers are also available for residents with dry wells at the Canada Games Centre, Prospect Road Community Centre, and Cole Harbour Place.

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