Drought in New Brunswick

The province issued a water conservation notice on August 12, 2025, and a reminder notice November 5, 2025. 

A national monthly drought conditions map is available to view: Canada Drought Monitor. 

Conserve water at home by:

• fixing dripping taps, toilets and outdoor spigots fast - leaks can waste hundreds of litres of water
• installing efficient fixtures like low-flow showerheads, aerators and watersense-type toilets
• using smart laundry and dish washing practices like running full loads or choosing shorter and cooler cycles when possible
• shortening showers and turning off taps while brushing teeth, shaving or washing your face
• capturing water while waiting for hot or cold water from taps or showers for plants or household cleaning

Conserve water outside by:

• watering lawns and gardens early in the morning to reduce loss by evaporation 
• prioritizing care of trees and shared community plants, as they are harder to replace and provide shade and environmental benefits
• choosing native, drought-enduring plants and adding mulch to retain soil moisture
• collecting runoff from your roof for gardens and trees using barrels and cisterns
• sweeping driveways and decks instead of hosing
• checking hoses and irrigation systems for leaks each season
• not filling swimming pools, hot tubs or ice rinks during drought periods

Businesses and institutions can conserve water by:

• installing water meters in single buildings and sub-meters in multi-unit complexes to track group and individual consumption patterns, identify losses and promote water use efficiency
• identifying where most water is used (such as for cooling, cleaning or production) to better manage and adjust consumption accordingly
• fixing leaks and insulating hot-water pipes
• upgrading to water-efficient fixtures and equipment (and reuse/recirculate clean water from processes when possible)
• training staff and posting regular reminders to encourage using only the amount of water needed
• using flow meters to monitor water withdrawals from streams or brooks and ensure that usage does not exceed actual needs

Homeowners who rely on private wells can play an important role in protecting local groundwater. Spacing out high water-demand activities, such as laundry, showers or outdoor watering, helps prevent pump strain and excessive water level drawdown. 

Contact a licensed well driller to discuss options to improve the reliability and efficiency of your well during low-water periods. It is also important to keep fuels, fertilizers and other contaminants well away from the wellhead to protect the safety of your drinking water.

Follow any local watering rules or schedules that may be set by your local government.  If you are unsure, contact your local government (PDF 365 KB)

Plan for drought by reviewing your household water use. It's important to care for your water supply year-round not just in times of water shortage.