Public Notice: Mandatory Water Conservation Order

Effective August 15, 2025, at 6:00am

The Sherbrooke Water Utility has ordered mandatory water conservation measures for all residential and commercial customers.

The following activities are not allowed for anyone connected to the Sherbrooke Water Utility:

• Watering lawns, trees, shrubs, or flower beds
• Filling or topping up pools
• Washing down walkways or driveways
• Washing vehicles

Residents may still water vegetable gardens but are urged to do so sparingly and in the early morning.

Enforcement: The Municipality will enforce these measures. Anyone found breaking this order may have their water service disconnected and be required to pay reconnection fees, as outlined in the Schedule of Rules and Regulations Governing the Supply of Water and Water Services and the Schedule of Rates for Water and Water Services.

These conservation measures will remain in effect until Sherbrooke Lake’s water level returns to an acceptable level.

The Sherbrooke Water Utility thanks all residents and businesses for their cooperation and for helping to use our water resources responsibly.

For more information please visit the:
Nova Scotia Utility & Review Board Regulations

Thank You

The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to Sherbrooke Clover Farm and Labatt Breweries of Canada, Halifax, for their generous support during a time of significant need.

As our region continues to face extreme heat, prolonged drought conditions, and low river and well water levels, access to clean water has become a critical concern for many residents. With mandatory water conservation measures in place for customers of the Sherbrooke Water Utility and private wells running dry, the donation, coordination and delivery of water provided by these organizations is both timely and deeply appreciated.

We are especially grateful for the partnership between a valued local business and a major provincial supplier, working together to ensure the well-being of our residents. This collaborative effort is a testament to the strength and compassion that exists within and beyond our community.

On behalf of Council, staff, and all those impacted, thank you for your meaningful contribution to the health and resilience of St. Mary’s.

National Acadian Day - August 15, 2025

Happy National Acadian Day - August 15, 2025
Today, The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s celebrates the rich history, vibrant culture, and lasting contributions of Acadian communities across our province.

Water Conservation Tips

With the recent water conservation order in place, the Municipality of the District of St. Mary's would like to share some tips and tricks on how Sherbrooke Water utility Customers can conserve water.

• Only flush when necessary. If its yellow, let it mellow
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
• Do not use hot water to thaw frozen foods, take food out in advance
• Do not run the tap to get cold water, keep a pitcher in the fridge
• Take shorter showers
• Collect shower/bath water while waiting for it to get to temperature
• Ensure the dishwater has a full load before you turn it on
• Install a water-saving shower head, can save 30 litres every 10 minutes

The Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s appreciates the continued efforts of our residents to conserve water during the mandatory water Conservation Measures. Your creativity and commitment to conservation are making a real difference. We would like to share some grey water tips that will clarify what’s allowed and how to make the most of your conservation efforts.
Grey water is allowed and a great alternative for garden use, as long as it does not come from sources containing harmful chemicals (i.e. laundry with bleach, dishwashing with harsh detergents). The current Mandatory Water Conservation Measures prohibit the use of potable (tap) water for lawns, pools, and car washing.
Grey Water refers to gently used household wastewater that comes from sources excluding toilets. It is water that may contain soap residue, food particles, and minor contaminants, but does not contain harmful sewage or toilet water (human waste).

Grey Water Includes: bath water, shower water, water from bathroom sinks, laundry water (only if biodegradable, non-toxic detergent is used), water from kitchen sinks (with minimal food scraps and grease), air conditioning/heat pump collection drips.

Grey Water Does NOT Include: toilet water (contains human waste), water from dishwashers (due to grease, food particles and strong detergents), laundry water with bleach or harsh chemical detergents, water containing chemicals, fats, oils, or grease.

Public Notice - Water Assistance

If your well has run out of water, the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s can provide bottled water to help with your immediate needs.
Please provide proof, such as photos/videos of your well or a report from a professional.
📞 Call us at 902-522-2049 or
📧 Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange support or for more information during business hours. (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm)
This service is for residents of the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s. Your address will be required.
Thank you for your cooperation, and please remember to use water wisely.
Stay safe and hydrated,
-Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s

Heat Warning - Guysborough County

An extended period of hot and humid weather is expected. Time span: today through Wednesday. Maximum daytime temperatures: 30 to 33 degrees Celsius (Humidex 34 to 38), except cooler along parts of the coast. Minimum overnight temperatures: 19 degrees Celsius. Locations: Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. Remarks: A combination of very high temperatures and elevated humidity is expected to continue through to Wednesday for most areas. Conditions will moderate on Wednesday for Cape Breton and the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body. Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park. Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority. For more information: How to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat Health risks and who is at risk of extreme heat events Information is provided on the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness website at novascotia.ca/heat-related-illness/. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or post reports on X using #NSStorm. Issued by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.