Halifax Water is implementing mandatory Stage 1 water restrictions for Lake Major effective immediately. This impacts water service for the communities of Dartmouth, Burnside, Cole Harbour, Westphal, North Preston and Eastern Passage.
To determine whether you are in the mandatory conservation area please use this interactive map.
These mandatory restrictions are due to the ongoing dry conditions and lack of precipitation. As a result, Lake Major has moved to the warning phase, which triggers the need for these mandatory Stage 1 restrictions.
In order to conserve water, Halifax Water requests that all residents and businesses supplied by the Lake Major Water Supply Plant follow mandatory Stage 1 water conservation measures until further notice. The following activities are prohibited under mandatory Stage 1 conservation:
| Outdoor Water Conservation Restrictions |
Mandatory Stage 1 Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Water use for splash pads/water play parks |
X |
| Bulk fill stations |
X |
| Watering golf courses |
X |
| Filling fountains and other decorative features |
X |
| Sprinkler & irrigation systems with an automatic shut off |
X |
| Watering lawns, gardens, trees,shrubs |
X |
| Watering vegetable gardens |
✓ (Limit Use) |
| Washing outdoor building surfaces and windows |
X |
| Washing cars and boats (residential only) |
X |
| Washing sidewalks, driveways, or walkways |
X |
| Filling outdoor pools, hot tubs, and wading pools |
X |
With the move to mandatory, residential and commercial customers are now expected to adhere to these measures. Failure to do so may result in a warning, a non-compliance fine, or suspension of service.
These mandatory water conservation measures are being implemented to maintain essential water service for all customers in the Lake Major service area. The goal is to help reduce demand until the rainfall can replenish the lake and remove/delay the need for an engineered pumping solution. Additional mandatory Stage 2 restrictions may be implemented in the future if lake levels are not replenished.
Halifax Water is also asking customers serviced by the Lake Major Water Supply to consider the following additional measures to conserve water:
- If it’s yellow, let it mellow. Depending on the efficiency of your toilet, each flush uses between 6 to 26 litres of water.
- Shorten your showers. Cut back on the frequency and length of showers.
- Turn off the tap when you don’t need it. Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face etc.
- Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.
Halifax Water customers serviced by Pockwock Lake remain under voluntary conservation measures.
As of September 10, 2025, water levels within the Lake Major water supply are in the Mandatory Conservation Phase 1.
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 water.
Conservation Outside
- Reduce or stop lawn, garden, plant watering or other outside water usage.
- Watering fruit and vegetable gardens is permitted during restrictions; however we encourage customers to be mindful of 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.
- Keep 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.
Concerns of water usage in your community?
Please report it here.
