Musquodoboit Harbour water project produces dry result as drought worsens
The Old School Community Gathering Place Co-operative in Musquodoboit Harbour, N.S., has been diligently working on a project to provide drinking water sourced from an aquifer beneath the community. A solar-powered community well was recently installed, but unfortunately, it has not been able to serve residents yet.
According to Karen Bradley, the past chair of the co-operative’s board, the initial setup with one solar panel was insufficient to draw water from the well. This led to the need for additional panels, inverters, and batteries, causing delays throughout the summer. Despite these setbacks, the co-operative aims to have the well fully operational by spring.
The current building housing the well equipment is not winterized, as it was designed for seasonal use. Bradley clarified that the community well is not meant to replace a utility water supply but rather serve as a supplementary option for residents, especially during dry spells when private wells may run dry.
The region has been experiencing prolonged dry conditions, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada noting a moderate drought that may escalate to severe levels in November. Halifax Water has already imposed mandatory restrictions on certain activities for customers relying on the Lake Major reservoir, while the Municipality of Barrington has faced multiple droughts since 2016.
Barret Kurylyk, an associate professor at Dalhousie University, highlighted the increasing frequency of droughts in Nova Scotia, where many households rely on private wells. He suggested centralized water units as a viable solution to provide water access during droughts without the need for extensive piping to individual homes.
Despite the community support for the well project, there have been concerns raised about its cost and practicality. Bruce Manion, a resident of Ostrea Lake, criticized the project as a “vanity project” that may not address critical water needs during emergencies, such as power outages in winter.
The Old School Community Gathering Place Co-operative received funding from Farm Credit Canada and municipal tax dollars to support the well project. However, some residents like Manion feel that more transparency and community involvement are needed to ensure the project’s success and benefit to all stakeholders.
In response to criticisms, Bradley defended the co-operative’s efforts, emphasizing the project’s proof-of-concept nature rather than a mere vanity endeavor. She highlighted the challenges faced in navigating bureaucratic hurdles and the commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community in Musquodoboit Harbour.
The co-operative’s mission statement underscores its dedication to promoting health, well-being, and community spirit in the area. While the well project may have faced setbacks, the organization remains committed to serving the community and addressing its water needs effectively.
