40% of all Nova Scotians rely on private well water! That’s a lot of people who could be—or already are—affected by droughts! As climate change continues to bring extreme weather conditions, it might be a good time to start thinking about long-term water solutions.
I know many folks have dug wells, and drilled wells are becoming more popular, but they’re pricey! Something I didn’t know until recently is that there are loan programs available in certain municipalities across the province to help with the cost.
Personally, I think this should be an across-the-board initiative, but until that happens, here are your options!
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL)
- Program: Water Supply Upgrade Lending Program
- Launched: 2023
- Details: Loans up to $20,000 or 15% of assessed property value
- Repayment: Registered as a property lien
- Program Info [www.modl.ca]
Municipality of the District of Chester
- Program: Water Supply and Septic System Upgrades Program
- Details: Loans up to $30,000 at 3% interest, repayable over 10 years
- Eligibility: Owner-occupied homes or registered non-profits
- Program Info [chester.ca]
Municipality of the District of Argyle
- Program: Water Supply Lending Program
- Details: Loans up to $22,500, 10-year term at 3.5% interest
- Eligibility: Owner-occupied residential properties
- Program Info [munargyle.com]
Municipality of East Hants
- Program: Well & Septic Loan Program
- Details: Income-based eligibility (under $100,000), tied to property tax billing
- Repayment: Through municipal tax system
- Program Info [www.easthants.ca]
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)
- Program: Inadequate Water Supply Program (By-law C-1000)
- Details: Voluntary financing for water system upgrades
- Eligibility: Must meet conditions outlined in the by-law
- Program Info [www.halifax.ca]
Municipality of the District of Yarmouth
- Program: Water Supply Upgrade Lending Program (By-law W-1028-25)
- Details: Loans for water supply upgrades including drilled wells
- Eligibility: Owner-occupied properties outside municipal water service areas
- Program Info [munyarmouth.ca]
Municipality of the District of Barrington
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- Program: Local Improvement Loan Program
- Details: Loans for new wells and cisterns, repaid via property taxes over up to 20 years
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