(September 16, 2023) Halifax Water is committed to ensuring customers have safe, reliable water services, even during extreme weather events. Our large water supply plants can continue to provide safe, high-quality water using backup generators for extended periods.
The water distribution system is designed, operated and maintained to provide service during extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and snow or ice storms. However, some circumstances can impact your water supply. These include:
Large Apartment/Condo Buildings
These structures often rely on electrical booster pumps that are part of the building’s private plumbing system to distribute water throughout the building, especially to the higher levels. In the event of a power outage, those pumps may not function without a backup power supply. As a result, building occupants may not have access to water until power is restored.
Small Community Water Supply Plants Within HRM, some small communities outside the urban core receive water service from Halifax Water. Unfortunately, these smaller water supply plants cannot run on backup generator power for extended periods. As a result, there is a possibility that those customers may experience a reduction in water pressure or loss of water service in the event of a power outage.
Private Wells and Lakes (Surface Water)
Residents who have a private well or draw water from nearby lakes or other water bodies usually use pumps to supply water to their homes and buildings. During a power outage, this can be interrupted, and there is also the potential for water contamination from surface flooding and pollution. These residents should prepare by having a 72-hour supply of drinking water.
Private wells and surface water supplies are not operated by Halifax Water. These water sources are not tested by Halifax Water. We do not have information on the quality or safety of private water supplies. It is highly recommended that residents be vigilant and use the resources of the Government of Nova Scotia. This includes information on the following:
* Private Wells * www.novascotia.ca/nse/water/privatewells.asp * novascotia.ca/nse/water/docs/FACT.SHEET.Well-Water-After-a-Flood.pdf
* Surface Water: www.novascotia.ca/nse/surface.water/docs/SurfaceWaterQA.pdf
For other tips to help prepare for extreme weather events, please visit www<www.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/emergency-management/emergency-preparedness/hurricanes>.halifax.ca/fire-police/fire/emergency-management/emergency-preparedness/hurricanes.
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