Craig Scott was acclaimed for the second straight time as mayor of the Town of Torbay. – SaltWire Network File PhotoArticle contentThe Town of Torbay is seeing “critically low” water levels in North Pond, which it relies entirely on for its water supply.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAt full capacity, the pond will see water around 12 feet above the intake pipe, but as of Tuesday, Sept. 23, it was at just two feet.Article contentArticle contentShould the trend continue, the town says it will have no choice but to declare a state of emergency, which could lead to completely shutting off water to residents.Article contentThe town announced a mandatory water usage ban in a Facebook post on Tuesday and is asking residents to use water only for essential needs such as drinking, sanitation, and emergency services.Article contentNon-essential activities — such as washing vehicles, watering lawns or gardens, and filling swimming pools — are strictly prohibited.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentMunicipal enforcement officers are actively monitoring the area for violations, with potential penalties handed out to anyone disregarding the ban.Article contentHowever, Mayor Craig Scott says residents have been compliant, resulting in reduced water usage.Article contentThe town is also recommending taking shorter showers as an alternative to baths, turning off taps when brushing teeth or shaving, hand-washing dishes with minimal water, and using rain barrels to collect water for uses other than drinking.Article contentIt also suggests delaying the use of washing and drying machines.Article content“We’re pleading with residents to conserve as much water as they can, the ones that are on the water supply, to help ensure that we don’t get into a situation where we lose our pressure on the water and ability to provide water to residents,” said Scott.Article contentClimate change a factorArticle contentThe town first noticed lowering water levels back in May or June, at which time conservation orders were put out.Article contentArticle contentDespite lowered usage, the supply kept dropping. Around July, a ban was put into effect.Article contentArticle contentDry weather, heat, lack of rain, and spring runoff this year are attributed as causes for the low water levels, something Scott agrees with, experts that climate change plays a part in, and is taking into account.Article content“It is (on my mind),” he said. “The last time that we were this slow with water — though not quite this low — would have been in 2021. But we didn’t reach that level until September. Is this going to be what it’s going to be like each year?”Article contentParts of the water distribution and sanitary sewer system in Torbay dates back to the 1950s and requires regular maintenance and upgrades.Article contentLooking to the future, a new water supply is on the way, thanks to a $26.5 million federal investment back in March. However, it’s anticipated to take yearsArticle content“It can’t come fast enough,” said Scott.Article contentIn the short-term, the town says it’s “working closely with its consulting engineers to define possible options to help mitigate this urgent issue.”Article contentSean Ridgeley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter.Article contentArticle contentArticle content
Torbay planning for possible state of emergency amid critically low water shortage
