Drinking Water

Environmental Health

Emergencies and Extreme Weather Events - Drinking Water

As of July 1, the inspection, compliance and enforcement functions from several provincial government departments will come together under Nova Scotia Environment.

Departments involved in this consolidation include the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Health and Wellness, the Department of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Environment, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

For more information, visit novascotia.ca/nse/inspection-compliance-enforcement/

Water may not be safe for drinking, bathing or cleaning during or after an emergency or severe weather event. Water may become contaminated with bacteria, chemicals or other substances that can cause illness.

Listen to and follow public announcements. Local authorities will tell you if tap water is safe to drink or to use for cooking or bathing. If the water is not safe to use, you will be told to use bottled water or to boil or disinfect water for cooking and cleaning. For more information on what to do during a boil water advisory, please visit the Nova Scotia Department of Environment website.

What to do if your well is flooded

  • Stay away from the well pump while it is flooded to avoid an electric shock.
  • Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick.
  • Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to clean and turn on the pump.
  • After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs clear to rid the well of flood water.
  • Disinfect the well and test for bacteriological quality after the disinfectant has been flushed out of the system.
  • If the water does not run clear or disinfection is not effective get advice from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment.