Alma, N.B., residents asked to limit water usage due to low reservoir levels

Alma, N.B., is being told to conserve water due to lower-than-usual reservoir levels.

Alma, N.B., residents are being asked to conserve water due to low reservoir levels in the region.

The Fundy Albert municipality issued the water conservation notice on Friday due to “lower-than-normal reservoir levels for this time of year,” according to a Facebook post.

“We ask that all water users take all necessary measures to reduce their water usage,” the post reads. “Your cooperation is essential to maintaining a sustainable water supply for the entire community.”

While Mayor Jim Campbell says he doesn’t think a boil order will be necessary, the reservoir is low and tourists are already visiting, so there’s concern for the community with a long history of water issues.

“We only have so much capacity. Please conserve where possible so that we don’t run into issues where we run out of water,” said Campbell.

Suggested water conservation tips include:

• avoiding using water during the peak hours between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• fixing any leaks at home
• turning off taps when not in active use
• taking shorter showers
• only running full loads in washers and dishwashers

Residents are reminded to not fill hot tubs or swimming pools without approval from the village office.

For the third straight year, a temporary water line will come from Fundy National Park for part of the village during the busy summer months.

In 2023, $12 million in funding was announced for new wells and infrastructure.

“The first phase of that is in the works. That will be the well and the water line and the storage tanks. So, we’re hoping that will come online in the fall,” said Campbell.

Business owners who spoke with CTV News Monday said they want the public to know that Alma is open for business and, in fact, a large food festival will take place in the village this weekend.

“A hundred per cent open for business and having the water from the park is an enormous help. I don’t believe we’ll ever reach any problems or limitations this summer,” said Catherine MacDonald, co-owner of the Alma Lobster Shop.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Derek Haggett.

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