Municipality of Yarmouth rolls out water assistance program

Only 3 millimetres of rain for Yarmouth in July; normal rainfall that month is 88 mm

The Municipality of Yarmouth announced the launch of an education campaign at its Aug. 15 council meeting in response to the water shortage that many were beginning to experience in the county.

The campaign is aimed at conservation, protecting the vulnerable and making sure people are aware what resources are available to support them now.

The following initiatives were put in place:

Mariners Centre is offering showers to anyone who wishes to use them. Users must bring their own toiletries and linens. Hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The facility is also offering to fill large containers at the Zamboni fill station at the rear of the complex. Individuals must bring their own containers and fill them. Staff will be on hand to assist.

Chief administrative officer Victoria Brooks says seniors or disabled persons who are low on water or need assistance with Th’YARC president Mitch Bonnar and secretary Shari Deveau-Surette at the former Arcadia school. Th’YARC is partnering with the Municipality of Yarmouth to provide free water to residents in need. water delivery can contact the senior safety co-ordinator, Doris Landry (902-881-4099).

“We’ve made arrangements with Doris to have ways and means to address problems that she uncovers there,” Brooks said.

The municipality also has a water supply upgrade program. As of last week one application had been approved and one was pending. The program is designed to help make financing available, with certain conditions, directly through the Municipality of Yarmouth to remediate a well water supply situation.

The municipality has also received an invitation to partner with Th’YARC, which is in the process of purchasing the former Arcadia School from the municipality. Free water is available at the school seven days/week from a hose on the playground side of the school.

Th’YARC president Mitch Bonnar says a water test was completed Aug. 15 with a 0/ 0 bacteria count.

“The water goes through three huge filters, a monster Ultra Violet light and is set to 60 PSI. The hose is new and is stated to be drinking water safe,” he said.

For those that wish to show their appreciation for the water help with a donation towards the building fund, they can be made to the Th’YARC on Parade Street.

The hours of operation at the school will be 9 a. m. to 8 p. m., seven days a week. Only containers can be filled and the supply is not intended for “huge cubes.”

Brooks says in addition to these initiatives, there is also the spring in Weymouth that runs 24/7 with free water.

“We also have private-sector participants who can be of assistance at this stage,” she said.

The municipality will be publishing a list of water haulers and laundromats on its website and Facebook Page.

“Most importantly, we’re going to communicate conservation practices. We’re going to help remind people how they can conserve their water and prioritize the use of their water,” she said. “Down the road if the problem continues or worsens, we’ll have to look at other options similar to what were looked at in 2016. As the problem grows incrementally, then our response will probably have to do likewise.”

Normal June, July and August rainfall totals for Digby, Yarmouth and Shelburne range from

250 mm to 280 mm.

June + July + August 2018 to date as of Aug. 16:

• Yarmouth: 84 mm

• Digby: 189 mm

• Shelburne: 232 mm Yarmouth only received a record 3 mm of rain in July. Normal rainfall for July is 88 mm