Municipalities begin to take action with no end in sight to dry spell

Drought-like conditions across Nova Scotia have raised water concerns in some communities with no significant rain expected in the province for the foreseeable future.

In Annapolis County, those living near Margaretsville are under a mandatory water conservation order. 

Jim Young, the director of municipal operations for Annapolis County, says the order covers around 90 to 100 homes

"We have not had substantial rain to recharge any of our local streams and rivers and lakes in … well over a month," he said Monday. 

Young said those who get their water from the Margaretsville's water utility should only be using water for personal use and avoid using water for non-essential activities, including watering the lawn and washing cars. 

He said Annapolis County's other water supplies are holding up but continue to be monitored.

Advisories issued across N.S. 

Elsewhere in the province, Antigonish has implemented voluntary water conservation measures, and is asking residents to be careful with their usage and reduce non-essential activities.

The Municipality of Colchester, meanwhile, has issued a water advisory notice for those who get their water from Tatamagouche's water utility, asking them to limit water usage for landscaping and to be mindful of wasting water.

Water conservation notices have also been issued in Stewiacke, Stellarton, West Hants, Municipality of the District of Yarmouth and Queens.

In Stewiacke, town officials have previously said that water levels in St. Andrews River, the town's main water source, are at the lowest since monitoring began 10 years ago. 

According to the latest report from the Canadian Drought Monitor, issued June 30, Nova Scotia's central region is experiencing a moderate drought. Since then, conditions have remained dry. 

Last week, Environment Canada meteorologist Ian Hubbard said Nova Scotia was on track to receive just a third of the amount of rain it normally would in July. 

According to the latest forecast from Environment Canada, it is expected to be dry and hot all week.