Nova Scotia

Water restrictions lifted for several Halifax-area communities

Water-use restrictions for a number of Halifax-area communities supplied by Lake Major are being lifted, now that levels in the reservoir have recovered after dropping during last month’s dry stretch.

Lake Major levels dropped last month, leading to restrictions in 6 communities

A white sign that says 'Lake Major Water Supply Plant' is shown.
Lake Major supplies water to six communities in the Halifax area. (CBC)

Water-use restrictions for a number of Halifax-area communities supplied by Lake Major are being lifted, now that levels in the reservoir have recovered after dropping during last month's dry stretch.

Halifax Water asked in mid-November for households and businesses in Dartmouth, Burnside, Cole Harbour, Westphal, North Preston and Eastern Passage to voluntarily curb their water use, including taking shorter showers and flushing toilets less often. 

The utility then issued mandatory restrictions for the communities on Nov. 25, prohibiting people from watering their gardens and lawns, washing vehicles and from filling backyard ice rinks.

Halifax Water on Monday announced in a news release that all restrictions are now lifted.

Water levels are back to normal, the utility said, following significant rain in recent weeks and the conservation measures, which cut water usage between five and 10 per cent.

Stations where bulk-water haulers can fill up are reopening and Halifax Water said it will resume testing the flow in fire hydrants.