Protecting our resources
Many residents of southwest Nova Scotia are all too aware that this summer has been the driest in years.
In fact, it is the driest summer on record, since Environment Canada began keeping rainfall records in 1870. This has had major consequences for many residents, particularly rural residents who depend on wells for their water supply.
In September 2016 it was reported that 1,000 families in southwest Nova Scotia were without water, and it is likely that the true number was even higher than that. Unfortunately, as a result of climate change, these drought periods could become the norm.
“Truckloads of bottled water and showers in the local high school locker room are not a long-term solution to this issue,” said Katie McLean with Clean Annapolis River Project that is extending a project called Rural H2O. “Nova Scotians need to consider how our water-use practices impact water supply, and identify water conservation strategies that can be used to reduce household water use.
“We will be implementing an extension to the Rural H2O program through the fall and winter, which will include a series of workshops that discusses water conservation options for rural homeowners, among other topics. “
Rural homeowners
The full scope of the project includes engaging rural homeowners in outreach and education leading to the adoption of practices that protect the quality and quantity of drinking water sources essential to the health of rural communities, McLean said.
Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation will be partnering with CARP to deliver the project, so that residents across Kings, Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, Lunenberg, and Queens Counties can be reached.
Six workshops are being planned for October and November. Resource packages will be developed for the public, covering the topics of: drinking water quality issues, testing, and treatment; source water protection measures for rural residential properties; water conservation measures for rural home owners will also be available.
Funding
“Funding for a limited number of home-assessments is also available through the program,” McLean said. Home assessments will involve home visits to identify household practices that pose risk to drinking water sources (sewage disposal, home heating fuel storage, storage and disposal of household chemicals, well maintenance etc.), and identify measures to mitigate associated risks; household practices related to water use (laundry practices, plumbing fixture flow rates, leaking fixtures, lawn/ garden irrigation, etc.), and identify water conservation measures for the household.
In the case that water quality testing is recommended, a limited number of rebates for up to $100 for lab costs are available through the program. Homeowners will also be provided with support to help them collect samples, and select a lab to process their test.
Workshops
Workshop dates have been set for Digby, Annapolis and Kings counties, as follows: Annapolis County:
Nov. 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Granville Centre Community Hall, 5650 Highway 1, Granville Centre.
Digby County:
Nov. 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Clare Veterans Center, 9938 HWY 1, Saulnierville
Kings County
Nov. 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Kentville Recreation Centre, Upper Rec Center, 2nd floor, 348 Main St., Kentville
Anyone interested in receiving information about workshops, home assessments, and resource packages, can contact Rural H20 project leader Katie McLean at katiemclean@ annapolisriver.ca