Water restrictions lifted for several Halifax-area communities

The recent dry spell in Nova Scotia led to water-use restrictions in several Halifax-area communities that rely on Lake Major as their water source. However, thanks to a recovery in reservoir levels, these restrictions are now being lifted.

Lake Major, which supplies water to Dartmouth, Burnside, Cole Harbour, Westphal, North Preston, and Eastern Passage, experienced a drop in water levels last month. As a result, Halifax Water initially requested voluntary water conservation measures from residents and businesses in mid-November. These measures included taking shorter showers and reducing toilet flushing frequency.

By November 25, mandatory restrictions were put in place, prohibiting activities such as watering gardens and lawns, washing vehicles, and filling backyard ice rinks. However, with significant rainfall in recent weeks and the successful implementation of conservation measures, water levels in Lake Major have returned to normal.

Halifax Water announced on Monday that all water-use restrictions have been lifted. The utility reported that the conservation efforts resulted in a reduction of water usage by five to ten percent. As a result, stations where bulk-water haulers can fill up are reopening, and testing of fire hydrant flow will resume.

Residents and businesses in the affected communities can now return to normal water usage practices. The successful recovery of Lake Major’s water levels serves as a reminder of the importance of water conservation efforts during dry spells.