Halifax completes maintenance work after diverting wastewater into harbour

After diverting millions of cubic metres of wastewater into Halifax harbour and the Bedford Basin, Halifax Water's treatment facilities have returned to normal operations.

The utility announced in late April that it needed to replace UV lighting equipment at its facilities in Halifax and Dartmouth, which caused them to be shut down for different periods of time. It said the way the system is set up, it could not divert wastewater to other locations.

Halifax Water said the maintenance work at the Halifax treatment facility was completed on May 1 and on May 31 at the Dartmouth facility. 

The utility previously said the project would result in approximately two million cubic metres of wastewater to be released into the harbour from 14 approved relief points between the Fairview neighbourhood and downtown Halifax.

It was asking residents in certain areas to reduce their use of running water, including flushing toilets less often and limiting use of washing machines. 

"Halifax Water appreciates the public's support in reducing their water consumption and minimizing recreational activities during the maintenance window," a news release said.

The utility said it will provide a final report to Environment and Climate Change Canada and anticipates it will share the sampling results on its website.