With no significant, soaking rain in the forecast, we invite and encourage all residents and businesses to consider making water conservation efforts.
The Town of Wolfville is within a region that is experiencing a state of moderate drought (as defined by Agriculture Canada) and even small conservation efforts can be effective as these conditions persist.
These voluntary measures are proactive and can lessen the pressure on our aquifer (where our water comes from) during this prolonged drought.
The Town is monitoring water levels and total daily water use. If this dry period continues and voluntary conservation measures are not effective, mandatory water use restrictions may be enacted through a water conservation directive.
Let’s all do our part to conserve water until conditions improve.
Here are some great ways to save water:
- Limiting outdoor water use (lawn and garden watering, car washing)
- Always shut off hoses and taps when not in use
- Use a hose nozzle for quick and frequent shut-off
- Avoid filling pools, including splash pools and hot tubs
- Cover pools when not in use
- Allow lawns to become dormant during dry periods, including brown or yellow grass
- Sweep paved areas rather than washing with a hose
- Install low water-use fixtures
- Fix leaks, dripping taps, running toilets
- If it’s yellow, let it mellow
Here are some questions we think you might ask:
Q. Where does the Town’s water come from?
A. The Town of Wolfville Water Utility operates wells at Cherry Lane and Wickwire Avenue which draw raw water from an underground aquifer. This water is pumped to a treatment facility and reservoir off Ridge Road. For more information on the Town’s water source, see the updated Source Water Protection Plan.
Q. When will these voluntary measures become mandatory?
A. The Town continues to monitor source water conditions (monitoring water levels and total daily water use). Mandatory measures will only be considered if necessary.
Q. What can I do if I notice my neighbours using lots and lots of water?
A. Lead by example and welcome others into a gentle conversation about the importance of water conservation.
Q. What about the splash pad?
A. With the ponds closed at Reservoir Park, we are keeping the splash pad open as long as we can.
Q. What about local businesses?
A. Businesses are encouraged to follow the measures described to the best of their ability and do what they can.
Q. What efforts is the Town making?
A. The Town has delayed hydrant flushing, is only irrigating and watering during the overnight hours or early morning, and we are limiting water use during fire training.
Q. What about Acadia?
A. Acadia is supporting in conservation efforts across campus.
Q. Does this impact firefighting in the Town?
A. While our trucks may not be cleaned as often. There will be no impact to fire response.
