Bill 304: Water Security Act

The businesses most directly touched are farms and agricultural operations across Nova Scotia that depend on reliable water supply for livestock, irrigation, and food processing — drought preparedness plans must specifically account for continuity of the agricultural sector. Rural property owners and small contractors who drill, service, or test private wells will see increased demand as the province rolls out a plan to boost regular well-water testing. Municipalities and their contractors involved in water infrastructure planning and distribution logistics will be pulled into the province-wide assessment of communities needing new or expanded public water systems. Businesses of all sizes in rural Nova Scotia that rely on private wells rather than municipal water — including small hospitality operators, rural manufacturers, and home-based businesses — could be affected by new emergency protocols and water-use advisories during drought conditions.