Halifax Water is asking residents and businesses supplied by the Lake Major Water Supply Plant to begin following voluntary water conservation measures.
The utility says Lake Major’s water levels are lower than normal as a result of a “prolonged period of low precipitation.”
“The lake levels are dependent on annual precipitation inclusive of snow and rain. Seasonal patterns see the lake levels start dropping in summer, but it normally replenishes through the fall,” said Halifax Water in an email to CTV News.
The communities of Dartmouth, Burnside, Cole Harbour, Westphal, North Preston and Eastern Passage are served by the Lake Major water supply and, according to Halifax Water, approximately 118,000 people are affected.
The utility is providing a list of guidelines on ways to conserve water, including:
- Cut back on the frequency and length of showers.
- Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face, etc.
- Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.
- “If it’s yellow, …