Many residents in Southwestern Nova Scotia are starting to feel the effects of this summer’s lengthy dry season.
Reports of drying and empty wells are popping up along both the South Shore and the Tri-Counties, affecting areas in Barrington, Chester, Yarmouth and Argyle among others.
Allen Webber, Warden of the Municipality of Chester, said they’ve had a number of residents register their wells as dry this summer, with more to be expected.
“Its been a month or more so since we had any significant rainfall,” said Webber.
“I think as of Monday we had 64 families registered (for dry wells). When we took a look at the projected long range forecast, it didn’t seem like it was going to get better in a hurry.”
Like other municipalities, Chester has begun its water distribution program, providing residents coupons to pick up water if needed.
Outside of their program, the municipality is beginning to look into what they may be able to do in regards to the now annual water shortage.
“We have recently just completed a water survey partly as a result of what we’ve been experiencing over the last few years,” said Webber.
“So we’ve asked people what issues they are facing, if they do experience dry wells in the summer, whether their wells are contaminated, all those things. What action we take after that, we don’t know just yet, we haven’t gotten that far down, but we felt it was time to take a look at what the situation is with water.”
For now, water jugs are being offered to residents who’ve submitted a dry well report, with four 4L jugs of water per person, per household available each day.
More information on Chester’s Water Distribution Program can be found below.
Coupons are available at these locations and times:
- The Municipal Office, 151 King Street in Chester, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to
Friday, starting August 24, 2020 - District #1 Community Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Mondays starting August
24. Please call Nadine Hackney at 902-275-8503 in advance for an appointment - The New Ross Community School from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., on Tuesdays starting August
25. Please call Nadine Hackney at 902-275-8503 in advance for an appointment.
Selected retailers are:
- Independent Grocers in Chester and Hubbards (who will provide Presidents Choice brand)
- Chester Foodland (who will provide Big 8 brand)
- Chester Basin PetroCanada (who will provide Big 8 brand)
- Clover Farm in New Ross (who will provide Big 8 brand)
