The prolonged hot, dry weather has resulted in low water levels in Lake Major. Lake Major serves the communities of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, North Preston and Westphal.
Water Supply Risk Level
Warning
The prolonged hot, dry weather has resulted in low water levels in Lake Major.
We ask that our customers serviced by Lake Major voluntarily reduce water use until the risk level returns to the Normal Level.
This information was last updated on October 9, 2019.
As Lake Major water levels change, this information will be updated.
September 20, 2019
Hurricane Dorian improved the lake level by 26 cm, but the lack of rainfall since has continued to keep Lake Major at the “Watch” rating on the Water Supply Risk Level chart. With no significant rainfall in the forecast, the voluntary water conservation measures remain in place. On average, water usage has been reduced by 4.5 million litres per day. The collective efforts of residents is helping ensure critical water service is maintained for all customers.
September 12, 2019
Although the impact of the rainfall from Hurricane Dorian resulted in the lake level rising by 26 cm, the level of the lake is still below the normal operating range for this time of year. Therefore the voluntary water conservation measures will remain in place.
September 9, 2019
As a result of the rain fall from Hurricane Dorian, Halifax Water is in the process reviewing the impact of the precipitation on water levels in Lake Major and will make a decision regarding voluntary water restrictions early this week.
August 30, 2019
The rain event overnight between August 29th and August 30th helped, but the water level in Lake Major is still low. We continue to ask that customers served by Lake Major take voluntary water conservation measures. We will post updates to Facebook, Twitter, and this page when the situation changes.
Lake Major serves the communities of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, North Preston and Westphal (see attached map for affected service area).
In order to conserve water, Halifax Water is requesting that all residents and businesses supplied by the Lake Major Water Supply Plant voluntarily reduce their water use until further notice. Suggested water conservation measures include:
- Reduce or stop lawn, garden, plant watering or other outside water usage
- Reduce or stop car/RV or other vehicle washing at home. Commercial car washes remain available for the time being
Conserving water now will help avoid possible future mandatory water restrictions.
Find Out If Your Property Is Serviced By Lake Major
Enter the address of your home/property in the address bar below to find out where your water comes from. If it comes from the Lake Major Water Supply Plant, we request that you reduce your water use.
You can view the Where Does My Water Come From? map in a new browser window.
Reducing water consumption and saving water has never been easier. Any number of the tips below can get you started on saving water inside and outside your home:
Conservation Inside Your Home
- Install low flow shower heads and appliances
- Install a dual flush toilet
- Regularly check for and repair any leaks
- Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes
- Take shorter showers by reducing your current shower time by a couple of minutes
- Turning off the water while brushing your teeth
- Fill the sink with water when shaving rather than allowing the water to run
- Take frozen food out of the freezer early to allow time to thaw without running under hot water
Conservation Outside
- Reduce or stop lawn, garden, plant watering or other outside water usage.
- Reduce or stop car/RV or other vehicle washing at home
- Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets, and couplings
- Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they are not as visible, but they can be just as wasteful as leaks inside. Check frequently and keep them drip-free
- Catch rainwater in barrels for use later in your garden
- Using mulch as a ground cover in flower beds
- Sweeping driveways and walkways, never use water to clean driveways/walkways
- Keeping swimming pools covered when not in use
- Turning off your hose when washing your car. Turn the hose on to rinse only
- Allowing your lawn to go dormant (brown) during drought periods. It will recover after a good rainfall