In 2021, the Lake Major Watershed Advisory Board (Board) was approached about inconsistencies in the Lake Major Watershed Protected Water Area regulations (regulations) specific to the provincially designated Lake Major Watershed Protected Water Area (PWA).
Having reviewed the regulations, the Board agreed with these concerns and formally recommended that Halifax Water request the province consider amendments to the regulations.
As a result of the Board’s recommendation, Halifax Water met with the Department of Environment and Climate Change in early 2022 to discuss the public consultation process. With support from the Board and the Province, Halifax Water has hosted public engagement sessions to help inform and seek input on potential amendments to these regulations.
On July 22, 2025, the changes were approved by the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
Current Status
Halifax Water will be hosting three public engagement sessions at the end of July 2026 to present the new regulations.
The new regulations can be found here.
Community Engagement
Halifax Water will be hosting public engagement sessions to provide an overview of the update regulations and to answer questions.
Newsletter
Containing Lake Major PWA Regulations Background Information
Lake Major Newsletter – Fall 2021
Lake Major Newsletter – Summer 2022
Lake Major Newsletter – Spring 2023
Lake Major Newsletter - Winter 2023
Lake Major Newsletter – Summer 2024
Halifax Water Source Water Protection Newsletter - Summer 2026
Background
Halifax Water is responsible for managing the Protected Water Areas that act as primary water supplies for the Halifax Regional Municipality. The utility is directed to enforce the Protected Water Area regulations by the Province of Nova Scotia, which is ultimately responsible for approving any changes or amendments to the PWA regulations.
Through the Lake Major PWA regulations, the Lake Major Watershed Advisory Board (Board), comprised of stakeholders and community representatives, was established to advise the Minister and the Water Works Operator on managing the Lake Major watershed. You can find the Board’s terms of reference here.
Past Public Engagement Sessions
To support the Province’s request for public input, Halifax Water hosted public engagement sessions in September and October 2022 at the East Preston Rec Centre, Lake Echo Community Rec Centre, North Preston Community Centre, Fairbanks Centre, Woodlawn United Church, and online.
These informal walk-in sessions included a number of information boards, allowing community members to walk through and learn more about the designated Lake Major Watershed Protected Water Area and the current regulations and speak with representatives from Halifax Water if they have any questions.
There is no formal presentation - attendees are welcome to drop in at any point during these sessions, to speak with representatives and submit their comments and feedback in writing.