Queens water customers OK for now, region says

Region of Queens Mayor Scott Christian says municipal water customers aren’t in danger of restrictions yet. (Rick Conrad File photo)

As drought conditions continue in Nova Scotia, many municipalities are asking residents to cut down on their water consumption.

But so far in Queens County, levels in the Town Lake Reservoir are keeping up with demand.

Region of Queens Mayor Scott Christian says customers in Liverpool and Brooklyn don’t have to worry about their water yet.

“The latest briefing from staff is we’re still looking pretty good. It’s surprising, the amount of inflow to outflow on the lake is still at good, sustainable levels.”

The last significant rainfall in Nova Scotia was more than two months ago.

Municipal water utilities in the Halifax and Cape Breton regions, and towns in central and northern Nova Scotia have asked customers to conserve water.

Mandatory measures are in place in Annapolis County and Antigonish.

That’s on top of a provincewide ban on open fires and travel in the woods.

In November, the reservoir in Queens County was sinking to a critically low level. The region asked its 1,200 water utility customers in Liverpool and Brooklyn to restrict their water usage.

Even though the dry weather hasn’t affected municipal water customers in Queens yet, some residents are dealing with dry wells.

The region has opened the shower facilities at Queens Place Emera Centre to the public. It’s also reminding residents of the public Cowie Well at 733 Main St. in Liverpool.

Christian says the municipality will keep an eye on water levels in the Town Lake Reservoir.

“So we’re just continuing to monitor that very closely. But at this point, the level is good in the reservoir and still the inflow is still quite good.”

Email: rickconradqccr@gmail.com

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