New Brunswickers are encouraged to conserve water amid extremely dry conditions throughout the province.
Recent heat waves and low precipitation have left surface water and groundwater levels lower than normal.
“A slow and steady rainfall over several days is needed to help improve low water levels, so we are asking everyone to do what they can to conserve water,” Environment Minister Gilles LePage said in a news release.
Stream flows are below the long-term normal for most of the province, except the northwest, and all-time-low stream flows have been observed at several sites in the northeast, southeast and along the Bay of Fundy coast.
Groundwater levels at all monitoring sites throughout New Brunswick are on the decline and are well below normal at eastern and southeastern monitoring sites, according to the province.
Officials offered several suggestions to help conserve water, which include:
- avoid washing vehicles, watering lawns and filling swimming pools
- use washing machines and dishwashers less frequently and with full loads only
- take quick showers to minimize water used for washing
- consider installing low-flow faucets
- check for leaks in plumbing systems, such as faucets and toilets, and repair as necessary
