Halifax Water requests conservation measures due to low levels in Lake Major

Halifax Water is recommending residents of Dartmouth, Burnside, Cole Harbour, Westphal, North Preston and Eastern Passage save water due to unusually low water levels in Lake Major.

A prolonged stretch of dry weather is responsible for the conservation request. 

According to the Canadian Drought Monitor, most of the province is abnormally or moderately dry.

CBC meteorologist Ryan Snoddon noted that Lake Major has received only 40 per cent of its usual rainfall over the past three months. 

Jeff Myrick, spokesperson for Halifax Water, said the lake is usually replenished this time of year. "Unfortunately, this year we have not had a significant amount of rain," he said.

Halifax Water recommends measures 

Halifax Water recommends decreasing the length and frequency of showers, turning off the tap when not in use, limiting toilet flushes and washing only full loads of laundry and dishes.

"We need to reduce the amount of demand on the lake so that we can avoid having to use an engineered pumping solution to increase the amount of water that can come out of the lake," said Myrick.

The measures are considered voluntary.