Water-use reduction urged ahead of winter
Moisture absorption will be limited once ground freezes in wake of low rain levels this year
The provincial government is urging New Brunswickers to limit water consumption as much as possible as winter approaches and in the wake of drought conditions, as frozen ground will limit absorption.
“Our province continues to experience low rainfall, and, until significant precipitation returns, every drop saved counts,” Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage said in a news release issued Wednesday.
“Community resilience begins with each of us doing our part to conserve water.”
The department indicated that while recent rains have helped with recent drought conditions, it wasn’t sufficient to alleviate the drought, which it described as ongoing. More precipitation on a sustained and consistent basis is needed to ensure a reliable groundwater supply.
“According to a recent Canadian Drought Monitor report, over half of the province is in the ‘extreme drought’ category,” the release said.
“The New Brunswick Water Resource Report for September indicated stream flows were well below the long-term normal for most of the province, and groundwater wells in Miramichi and the Ford Bank area of Five Rivers are at record lows.”
There’s little precipitation forecast for the near future, the department said, so the groundwater situation is likely to continue declining.
As such, the department is advising residents of the province to reduce their water use, be they on a municipal water system or a well.
“Decreasing water consumption in homes, businesses and public spaces will help make sure there is enough water to meet basic needs,” the government release said.
Among the methods of water-consumption reduction the province is suggesting are:
avoiding washing vehicles;
refraining from letting water run while brushing teeth;
using washing machines and dishwashers less frequently, waiting until one has a full load to run;
taking quick showers;
installing low-flow faucets;
and checking for leaks in plumbing systems and repairing them as needed.
LePage said the province will endeavour to help residents contending with a reduced water supply or none whatsoever.
“We will work directly with local governments to ensure they have the tools and information to support residents experiencing reduced or no water supply,” the minister said in the release.
Private well owners who are concerned about the viability of their water supply also have the option of contacting a licensed well driller to look at their options, the department advised.
The province also provides updates on water levels - including summaries of precipitation, stream flow and groundwater levels - on its New Brunswick Water Quantity Information website.
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