How is Halifax Waters mandatory conservation order going to work?

Low water levels at Lake Major in Cherry Brook have prompted Halifax Water to issue a conservation order. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentSending out a mandatory water conservation order is one thing, but how is it all going to work?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 contentBecause of dry conditions, Halifax Water asked for voluntary water conservation measures at the beginning of August, but that request hasn’t made a significant difference in the water supply.Article contentArticle contentOn Wednesday, Halifax Water issued a mandatory water conservation order, which they call the first phase, for all the communities served by Lake Major: Dartmouth, Burnside, Cole Harbour, Westphal, North Preston and Eastern Passage.Article contentArticle contentWhen The Chronicle Herald asked Brittany Smith, a Halifax Water spokesperson, about the finer details of the order, it was clear that several enforcement issues are still being hammered out.Article contentHow are the restrictions enforced?Article contentEducation is the first step in their enforcement plan, Smith said, and after that, Halifax Water employees will be enforcing the order with summary offence tickets.Article content“And then to the worst-case scenario, which is we have the ability to suspend service.”Article contentDo people report infractions through 311?Article contentSmith said Halifax Water has set up a form on its website for people to report infractions. The information collected there will be sent to teams for investigation. Smith said people can also call the customer care line at 902-420-9287.Article contentWhat are the fines, and how many warnings do you get before they shut off your water?Article contentAs for the fines, Smith said those details are still being worked out. She added that staff will first give a verbal warning before issuing a ticket. She said there will be “conversations in between” before they shut off anyone’s water.Article contentArticle contentWhat is the second stage of conservation measures and how many stages are there?Article contentThe first stage in place now for communities served by Lake Major means no:Article contentwatering lawnswashing vehiclesfilling poolswatering golf coursesArticle contentThat’s along with the voluntary measures Halifax Water is asking everyone in HRM to do:Article contentIf it’s yellow, let it mellow. Halifax Water says that depending on the efficiency of a toilet, each flush uses between six to 26 litres of water. Shorten and cut back on the frequency of showers.  Turn off the tap when you don’t need it. Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.   Article contentSmith said they only have two stages of conservation orders. Article content“Right now we’re trying to balance between water conservation efforts and financial impacts on businesses, but without any significant rain and the lakes continuing to dry up, we may reach a point where we might have to implement Stage 2.”