Halifax Water says it hasn’t seen a “significant decrease” in demand since the municipality asked residents to voluntarily conserve water earlier this month due to drought conditions.
In a news release Thursday, the utility said water levels at Lake Major and Pockwock Lake continue to be lower than normal despite recent rainfall.
“Without significant precipitation and increased conservation measures, these water levels will continue to lower and mandatory conservation measures will be required,” says Halifax Water.
The water utility is asking all customers and people who live or work in a building serviced by Halifax Water to follow conservation measures until further notice.
Reducing water usage now could “reduce or delay” the need for mandatory conservation measures, the utility said.
Conservation measures include:
Not flushing urine. Halifax Water said a toilet could flush between six to 26 litres of water. Cutting back on the frequency and length of showers. Turning off the tap when it’s not being used. For example, while brushing teeth, shaving or washing your face. Washing only full loads of laundry and dishes.
Halifax Water asks residents to limit watering lawns and gardens, washing cars and filling pools. Watering fruit and vegetable gardens is permitted.