Moncton 
The New Brunswick government is urging residents to cut back on water use as both surface and groundwater levels fall below seasonal norms across most of the province.
Credit: Frank Huang/Unsplash
According to Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage, recent heat waves combined with weeks of limited rainfall have contributed to declining water availability. He noted that only sustained rainfall over several days will significantly improve the situation.
Stream flows are currently below long-term averages in most regions, with the exception of the northwest. Several locations in the northeast, southeast, and along the Bay of Fundy coast have recorded all-time-low stream flow readings. Groundwater monitoring in eastern and southeastern areas shows levels well below normal, and all provincial monitoring sites report a downward trend.
Residents are being asked to reduce water use, whether they rely on private wells or municipal systems. Recommendations include avoiding vehicle washing, lawn watering, and pool filling; running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads; taking shorter showers; installing low-flow faucets; and repairing plumbing leaks. Monthly updates on precipitation, stream flow, and groundwater data are available through the New Brunswick Water Quantity Information website.
The call for conservation comes amid broader environmental challenges in the province. Three active fires, one in the Irishtown district of Maple Hills, another north of Miramichi, and one in the Bathurst region, remain out of control.
A provincewide burn ban and closure is in effect on all Crown land. The closure prohibits hiking, camping, fishing, vehicle use in wooded areas, and all forestry operations, including harvesting and chipping. While camping is permitted in established campgrounds, officials advise reconsidering trips until fire hazards subside. The closures will remain until conditions improve.
