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.
- Voluntary water conservation
As of Aug. 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.
- Accordion title
Accordion content.
- Drinking water available to residents with dry wells
Beginning Aug. 13, the municipality will provide pre-packaged drinking water on Wednesdays and Sundays for individuals in need of potable water due to dry wells at five rural facilities across the municipality:
Station 39, 14 NS-336, Upper Musquodoboit
- Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Station 48, 1581 Beaverbank Road
- Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Station 50, 2050 Hammonds Plains Road
- Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Station 56, 8579 St Margarets Bay Road
- Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Station 62 - 2417 Old Sambro Road
- Wednesday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from 6 p.m to 8 p.m.
Sheet Harbour Ground Search and Rescue, 44 Behie Road
- Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The municipality is following provincial guidelines, provided by the Canadian Red Cross, to distribute 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 Sept. 10, when Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency will reassess whether ongoing water shortage efforts are needed.
- 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:
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.
This list may be updated as demand changes. Visit this webpage for the latest information.
Provincial park campgrounds are also offering access to showers. For details, visit the province's parks website.
- 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 Oct. 15, 2025 (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, and to check municipal and provincial websites for the latest updates. For more information, visit this webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025
- 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
- What water collection options are available for 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 with dry wells.
Beginning Aug. 13 through Sept. 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, updates on this webpage and social media.
- 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.