Water conservation orders in place for parts of Nova Scotia

Mandatory water conservation measures across parts of Nova Scotia are due to critically low levels in the reservoir.

The recent hot and dry weather has resulted in water conservation orders for parts of Nova Scotia.

The Municipality of the County of Annapolis says reservoir levels in Margaretsville have reached “critically low levels.”

Mandatory water conservation began on Tuesday and the following activities are banned:

• watering of gardens, lawns, trees, etc.
• washing of vehicles or homes
• filling pools
• running sprinklers

Officials say anyone found breaking the order could have their service disconnected.

The order will remain in place until water levels return to normal.

In a notice posted Monday, all residents of Stewiacke were asked to conserve water.

The town says the St. Andrews River is at its lowest level since monitoring began 10 years ago. Residents are also being asked to:

• limit lawn watering with sprinklers to one day per week
• restrict watering of trees, shrubs, and vegetable gardens
• refrain from washing outdoor surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and decks

The Town of Stellarton is now in stage two of its water contingency plan – alternate day water use.

Even number addresses are permitted to perform the following on even calendar days from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to midnight:

• sprinkling, watering or irrigating of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, vegetables, flowers, etc.
• filling or topping of pools
• washing of motor vehicles

Odd number addresses are permitted the same actions on odd calendar days from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to midnight.

“This conservation order will remain in place until water levels of the East River return to normal. Should water levels continue to degrade, it is possible that Stage 3 water restrictions may be required,” reads a post on the town’s Facebook page.

The Splash Pad is not available for use at this time.

The town says staff have retrieved water from an alternative source to use for maintenance and water is not being used from the East River.

Heat warnings remain in effect

A series of heat warnings remain in effect in Nova Scotia, except for Digby, Yarmouth, and Shelburne counties, as well as areas near the Atlantic and Fundy coasts.

Environment Canada says daytime temperatures Wednesday could reach up to 31 degrees, though the humidex will make it feel more like 36.

Conditions are expected to moderate Wednesday night and Thursday.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page