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Update on water conservation and support during dry conditions – August 13
The Halifax Regional Municipality is experiencing extremely dry conditions due to a prolonged period without significant rainfall. This has led to lower-than-normal surface water levels and reduced groundwater supplies across the municipality. Many residents with private wells are reporting shortages or completely dry systems. Prolonged drought can also strain municipal water supplies, making conservation efforts critical for all.
Voluntary water conservation
As of August 5, Halifax Water is asking all residents to take immediate voluntary steps to reduce water use. This helps protect our shared supply and may delay the need for mandatory restrictions.
Learn more about conservation tips from Halifax Water’s website.Drinking water available to residents with dry wells
The Halifax Regional Municipality, in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia, Ground Search & Rescue and Joint Emergency Management volunteer teams, is making emergency drinking water available for free to residents experiencing dry well conditions.
Beginning today through September 10, residents can collect:
Four litres per person per day
Up to one week’s supply per household at a time
Additional water is available for pets, based on their weight.
Water will be available on Wednesdays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:
Station 39 – 14 Highway 336, Upper Musquodoboit
Station 48 – 1581 Beaverbank Road, Beaverbank
Station 50 – 2050 Hammonds Plains Road, Hammonds Plains
Station 56 – 8579 St Margarets Bay Road, Black Point
Water is also available at the Sheet Harbour Ground Search & Rescue facility at 44 Behie Road on Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
These services will be assessed on a weekly basis. Any changes will be communicated through public service announcements, website updates and social media.
Showers available to residents with dry wells
Beginning today, residents with dry wells can shower at the following municipal recreation facilities:
Canada Games Centre | 26 Thomas Raddall Drive
6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Prospect Road Community Centre | 2141 Prospect Road
9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cole Harbour Place | 51 Forest Hills Parkway
Weekdays: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.
Weekends: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residents are asked to check in at the front desk. A membership is not required to access the showers. Please check our website to verify the hours of operation for each facility. Those 17 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
Restrictions to municipal park spaces
Due to the Fire Proclamation – Travel Ban issued by the Province of Nova Scotia, restrictions are in place for wooded areas in municipal parks until October 15 (unless lifted earlier).
Fully wooded parks are closed, while parks with a mix of wooded and non-wooded areas have only the non-wooded areas open. Residents are reminded these restrictions will be enforced, with fines up to $25,000 for violations. For more information, visit our website.
For more information about water support and conservation, visit our website.