Mandatory Water Conservation Order – Town & Fringe Area Water Utility Customers – LIFTED

Water Conservation Update – August 29th, 2025

We received 25 mm of rainfall at the James River Dam Monday night into Tuesday morning. This rainfall has given our water supply a much-needed boost and the reservoir has continued to recharge or fill.

The dam level is now sitting 2.76 feet below the top of the dam’s spill way, which is less than 1m from the top of the dam. Given the current reservoir level and forecast for more rain over the coming days, consistent with the Town’s water conservation protocol, the Town can now lift the state of mandatory water conservation, effective 4:30pm Friday, August 29th.

Voluntary water conservation measures will remain in effect until the reservoir is full and the dam is spilling again, so the public’s continued efforts to limit unnecessary water use is appreciated. Thank you to all residents and users of the Town’s water supply for your commitment to water conservation when needed most!

Consistent with the Town’s voluntary water status the Splash Pad at Columbus Field will be available daily between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Water Conservation Update – August 27th, 2025

We received 25 mm of rainfall at the James River Dam Monday night into Tuesday morning. This rainfall has given our water supply a much-needed boost. The dam rose significantly and is now standing nearly 4.0 ft higher than its pre-rainfall low of 7.3 ft. That’s close to a month’s worth of supply at current conservation levels!

Even with this positive recharge, levels haven’t quite reached the threshold needed to lift Mandatory Conservation Measures.

While this week was a major step forward, the next few weeks of weather will determine when we can safely adjust restrictions.

Your conservation efforts are helping stretch our supply and keep our community safe. We’ll continue to share updates. Together, we’re making progress.

Water Conservation Update – August 26th, 2025

Last night, the James River Dam received 25 mm of rainfall, which has caused water levels to rise by approximately 1.5 feet. Despite this increase, the dam remains about 5.79 feet below normal.

It may take up to 24 hours for the full impact of this rainfall to be seen. In the meantime, Mandatory Water Conservation Measures remain in effect.

We will reassess conditions tomorrow morning and provide another update on dam levels at that time.

Thank you, Antigonish, for your continued support of conservation efforts. Every action makes a difference—let’s keep it up.

Water Conservation Update – August 19th, 2025

The Antigonish Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) held its second meeting on Monday, August 18, to review and respond to the ongoing water situation in Antigonish.

With the current water conservation measures in place, officials are seeing the lowest water consumption rates in recent years, showing that the restrictions appear to be working. They expressed appreciation to Town and County residents who rely on the Town’s water source and encouraged everyone to continue their conservation efforts.

The rainfall on Sunday night brought 10 millimetres of water at the dam, which helped slow the rate of decline and temporarily stabilized water levels for a day or two. However, it was not enough to restart the James River Dam spilling, and levels are expected to begin falling again later this week.

Until there is a significant amount of rainfall, Town and County residents and businesses connected to the Town water system are reminded that the following activities remain prohibited:·

Watering lawns, trees, shrubs, flower beds, or vegetable gardens·
Filling swimming pools·
Washing vehicles, driveways, walkways, or other outdoor surfaces

Residents are reminded that grey water—recycled household water from dishwashing, laundry, or bathing—may be used to help keep gardens and plants alive.

Town and County officials continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions change.

Mandatory Water Conservation Order – August 6th, 2025

Effective August 6th, 2025 at 6:00 a.m. the Town of Antigonish has initiated a mandatory water conservation order to all Town and fringe area water utility customers, which includes residential and commercial properties.

Under this order the following activities are banned to residents and businesses connected to the Town’s water system: watering of lawns, trees, shrubs, flower beds and vegetable gardens, filling pools, washing down walkways, driveways and washing vehicles.

The Town’s By-Law Enforcement Officers will be enforcing these measures. Anyone found breaking these mandatory rules may be subjected to having their water service disconnected.

The Town’s mandatory water conservation order will be in place until the James River Dam refills.