Last updated: Oct. 23
The Halifax Regional Municipality is experiencing extremely dry conditions due to a prolonged period without significant rainfall. Surface water and groundwater levels are below normal, leaving many private wells dry. Prolonged drought can strain municipal water supplies, making water conservation essential.
Use the drop-down menu below for details on support and water conservation.
Please note: This webpage will be updated as more information becomes available.
Drinking water for residents with dry wells
Beginning Aug. 13, the municipality will provide pre-packaged drinking water for residents in need of potable water due to dry wells.
The municipality is following provincial guidelines, provided by the Canadian Red Cross, and offering up to four litres of water per person per day. Water is also available for pets, based on their weight. This process will remain in place until further notice.
- Drinking water pick-up locations
All locations offer water pick-up Wednesdays and Sundays, 6 to 8 p.m., unless otherwise indicated.
Prospect Road Community Centre - 2141 Prospect Road, Hatchet Lake
Samuel R. Balcolm Community Centre - 25718 Nova Scotia Trunk 7, Port Dufferin
Station 23 – 5543 Nova Scotia Trunk 7, Head of Chezzetcook
Station 47 – 2040 Old Guysborough Road, Goffs
Note: pick-up is available on Sundays only at this locationStation 39 - 14 NS-336, Upper Musquodoboit
Station 48 - 1581 Beaverbank Road
Station 50 - 2050 Hammonds Plains Road
Station 56 - 8579 St Margarets Bay Road
Station 62 - 2417 Old Sambro Road
Sheet Harbour Ground Search and Rescue - 44 Behie Road
- Wednesdays and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Showers available to residents with dry wells
Some recreation facilities have made their showers available to residents affected by dry well during the drought. These include:
- Shower locations and times
This list may be updated as demand changes. Visit this webpage for the latest information.
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 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.;
- Weekends: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Provincial park campgrounds are also offering access to showers until Oct. 31. For details, please contact the Province.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the guidance on reducing water usage?
Learn more about conservation tips from Halifax Water’s website. Measures include:
- If it’s yellow, let it mellow. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water.
- Shorten your showers. Cut back on the frequency and length of showers.
- Turn off the tap when not in use - such as while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face.
- Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.
Residents can also limit activities that use excess water, such as:
- watering lawns
- washing vehicles
- filling pools
- How should I recycle my empty water containers?
500ml bottles and 4L jugs can be included in your regular recycling (with the plastic caps removed and placed in the garbage), or you can take the empty containers to a bottle depot near you. To recycle the 20L boxes of water, remove the inner plastic lining and recycle, break the box down and bundle with cardboard.
- What shower options are available for residents with dry wells?
Beginning Aug. 31, 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. Anyone 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult when using the facilities.