The Halifax Regional Municipality has announced the addition of a new emergency water pickup site for residents with dry wells.
Station 62, located at 2417 Old Sambro Road in Williamswood, is now part of the municipality’s emergency water program.
Launched on August 5 in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia, the program involves ground search and rescue and joint emergency management volunteers.
It provides free drinking water to households affected by the drought. Water is available every Wednesday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Residents can collect up to four litres per person per day, with a maximum of one week’s supply per household. Additional water is available for pets, based on their weight.
The program was introduced in response to a prolonged period of drought, characterized by a lack of rainfall, which has lowered surface water levels and reduced groundwater supplies across the region.
Many residents relying on private wells have reported little to no water, prompting the municipality to expand its support network.
There are now six pickup locations across Halifax, including sites in Upper Musquodoboit, Beaverbank, Hammonds Plains, Black Point, Sheet Harbour, and now Williamswood.
There is also access to emergency drinking water at the Sheet Harbour Ground Search & Rescue facility, located at 44 Behie Road. Pickup hours are on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The service will continue through September 10 and is reviewed weekly.
Any changes will be communicated through public service announcements, the municipality’s website, and social media channels.
Halifax Water continues to urge all residents to voluntarily reduce water use to help protect the shared supply and delay the need for mandatory restrictions.
Conservation tips are available on Halifax Water.
