Emergency Water Relief During Droughts Policy RCOGE-004.00 — full text

This is an automated transcription (OCR) of the captured official document — minor recognition errors are possible; the source document governs. Snapshot e1c480b9dfd3 · verified 2026-06-05 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

## 1.0 PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for providing emergency water relief to West Hants Regional Municipality residents experiencing dry wells due to severe or prolonged drought conditions. The policy aims to ensure equitable access to potable water for essential needs, protect public health, and promote responsible water use during times of water scarcity. ## 2.0 POLICY STATEMENT The West Hants Regional Municipality is committed to ensuring residents have access to safe and sufficient water during drought emergencies. When drought conditions reach critical levels, and under the guidance of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), the CAO or designate will formally activate this policy, authorizing the provision of emergency water relief in coordination with the Public Works Department and other relevant agencies. Upon activation, the municipality will implement emergency measures to supply water for essential needs while encouraging conservation and responsible water use. ## 3.0 SCOPE This policy applies to: - All residents, property owners, and tenants within the West Hants Regional Municipality boundaries who solely relie on drilled or dug wellsas their primary source of water. - Municipal operations, including water utility services and emergency response efforts. - Partner organizations or contractors engaged in water distribution or drought response activities. This policy shall take effect only when the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) officially activates in response to drought conditions or a declared water emergency, and in accordance with the guidelines established by the Department of Emergency Management. ## 4.0 DEFINITIONS CAO means the Chief Administrative Officer of the West Hants Regional Municipality, or their designate; Drought means a prolonged period of below-average precipitation resulting in water shortages that impact municipal water supplies, private wells, or agricultural operations. Emergency Water Relief means the temporary provision of potable water to individuals, households, or communities experiencing critical shortages. ## WEST HANTS REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY Emergency Water Relief During Droughts Policy RCOGE-004.00  ## WEST HANTS REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY Emergency Water Relief During Droughts Policy RCOGE-004.00 Activation means the formal process by which the Department of Emergency Management activates to provide water relief during an officially recognized drought event. ## 5.0 ELIGIBILITY ## Applicants must: - A local or regional drought emergency has been declared by the municipality, province, or DEM. - Residents are required to provide proof of residency in accordance with the guidelines established by the Department of Emergency Management. - Be a resident of the West Hants Regional Municipality to quality for support. - Only a resident's primary residence is eligible to qualify for emergency water relief support. - A household's private well or cistern has run dry and no alternative safe water source is available. ## 6.0 FORMS OF ASSISTANCE The Municipality may provide vouchers or coupons redeemable at local stores, allowing residents to acquire potable water from local retailers, in accordance with the guidelines established by the Department of Emergency Management. ## 7.0 PROGRAM TERMINATION The CAO has discretion to terminate a period of water support based on current water conditions, forecasts and program support uptake. Notice to Council to close a program support will be provided at least 2 weeks before termination of the support. Notice to the public to close a program support will be provided at least 1 week before termination of the support.  Deanna Snair, Municipal Clerk 1, (Municipal Clerk Name), Municipal Clerk of the West Hants Regional Municipality, in the Province of Nova Scotia, do hereby certify that this is a true copy of the Policy as adopted by the Council of the West Hants Regional Municipality at a meeting duly called and held on the gth day of December, 2025. Danna Amir  ## WEST HANTS REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY Emergency Water Relief During Droughts Policy RCOGE-004.00 | Adoption | Adoption | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Notice to Council | Date: December 2, 2025 | | Approval | Date: December 9, 2025 | | RCOGE-004. Description: Initial approval of the Emergency Water Relief During Droughts Policy | RCOGE-004. Description: Initial approval of the Emergency Water Relief During Droughts Policy |