The increasing risk of drought due to climate change has become a pressing concern even in humid provinces like Nova Scotia, where the issue can often be overlooked. Barret Kurylyk, an engineering professor at Dalhousie University and Canada Research Chair in coastal water resources, highlighted that the "warmer and drier climate" has led to greater evaporation rates, which subsequently reduces the amount of water replenishing the groundwater table. The province has witnessed more extreme summer drought conditions since 2016, with 2023 marking the driest year, characterized by wildfires that devastated approximately 250 square kilometers and resulted in the destruction of at least 165 homes.
Kurylyk noted that while Nova Scotia may be perceived as "very, very wet," drought can still occur if conditions are not as wet as usual. The Canadian Drought Monitor provides evidence of this shift, showing that half of Nova Scotia experienced extreme drought in 2023. For residents like Kathy Harris, who has lived in southwestern Nova Scotia for 11 years, the consequences of this drought are becoming abundantly clear. Historically relying on their shallow well, the couple has faced increasing water shortages, exacerbated during the summer months when their well often runs dry.
Harris explained that even when they manage to draw water from their well, it is often contaminated and unsuitable for drinking or cooking, leading to higher expenses from purchasing water. Their makeshift solution involves collecting water from the local fire hall and manually transferring it to large reservoir containers, a labor-intensive process that she describes as time-consuming. Harris recalled a particularly challenging period in 2020 when their well was dry for nearly five months, causing significant inconvenience and forcing them to frequently seek help from friends for basic water needs.
Many others in Nova Scotia face similar challenges, particularly those relying on shallow wells, which are typically less than 15 meters deep. Kurylyk emphasized their vulnerability during periods of declining water tables. Many families, especially those on fixed incomes, are reluctant to invest in drilling deeper bedrock wells after relying on shallow dug wells for generations. While some communities in southern Nova Scotia have historically dealt with water issues, the current scale and severity of these problems are unprecedented.
Organizations like Rural Water Watch are actively addressing these challenges, particularly in marginalized areas affected by water shortages and quality issues. Fred Bonner, the group’s executive director, referenced a 2016 provincial Environment Department estimate indicating that around 1,000 private dug wells had been affected by drought. During drought conditions, some municipalities have reported that a quarter of homes were left without water. Approximately 40 percent of Nova Scotia's population relies on groundwater, with shallow wells being a common source.
Bonner noted that discussions about drought are increasingly framed within the broader context of climate change, as drought is one of many issues exacerbated by shifting climatic conditions. In response to fluctuating water levels, residents have begun to adopt various adaptive measures, such as using rain barrels for collection and conservation, altering their routines for laundry and dishwashing to reduce water consumption, and working towards sustainable practices.
In her community, Harris has taken to praying for rain in hopes that the water table will remain sufficient throughout the summer. "People who don’t think climate change is real are sadly mistaken," she stated, reflecting the sentiments of many residents grappling with the ongoing and growing effects of climate change on their local water resources.
