Meet the Team
Scott Hoyt, Water/Wastewater System Manager
[email protected] 902-624-8327
Richard Redden, Water/Wastewater System Operator
[email protected] 902-624-8327
After Hours Emergency (4:30pm - 8:30am Monday - Friday and Weekends & Holidays)
902-543-3251
[email protected] 902-624-8327
Richard Redden, Water/Wastewater System Operator
[email protected] 902-624-8327
After Hours Emergency (4:30pm - 8:30am Monday - Friday and Weekends & Holidays)
902-543-3251
Employment Opportunity
The Town of Mahone Bay, nestled on Nova Scotia’s beautiful South Shore, is seeking a Water/Wastewater System Operator to support the safe and efficient operation of the Town’s water and wastewater systems.
Reporting to the Water/Wastewater System Manager, this role involves maintaining treatment facilities, distribution and collection systems, and responding to system issues and emergencies. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma (NSCC Environmental Technology preferred), a valid driver’s license, and mechanical or utility operations experience. Certification as an Operator in Training is required or must be obtained upon hiring.
Salary: Specialist Salary Scale - $61,049.52 – $76,311.90 (based on 2024)
Benefits: Health & dental coverage, pension plan, EAP, and more.
To read the full Position Description, click here.
This position will remain open until filled.
To apply or learn more, contact Scott Hoyt at [email protected].
Reporting to the Water/Wastewater System Manager, this role involves maintaining treatment facilities, distribution and collection systems, and responding to system issues and emergencies. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma (NSCC Environmental Technology preferred), a valid driver’s license, and mechanical or utility operations experience. Certification as an Operator in Training is required or must be obtained upon hiring.
Salary: Specialist Salary Scale - $61,049.52 – $76,311.90 (based on 2024)
Benefits: Health & dental coverage, pension plan, EAP, and more.
To read the full Position Description, click here.
This position will remain open until filled.
To apply or learn more, contact Scott Hoyt at [email protected].
Cross-Connection Control Program
The Town of Mahone Bay Water Utility is excited to announce that we will be launching a CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM to help protect the public drinking water system, and its users.
Many communities in NS have put in place Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Programs to safeguard their water systems from water flowing backwards into the public water system, which presents a risk of contamination, as well as a potential risk to your property’s water system. This safeguard is achieved through the installation of backflow preventers.
CCC Programs are generally supported by water use bylaws, and/or utility regulations mandating that backflow prevention devices are installed and maintained to prevent backflow of potentially hazardous substances into the water supply. Programs typically monitor the installation, maintenance, and field testing of backflow preventers within a distribution system. CCC Programs are an important part of a multi-barrier approach to protecting safe drinking water.
The Town’s Water Utility is partnering with BSI Online to help us launch our new CCC Program. BSI Online will be maintaining an organized database of water customers with backflow preventers and ensuring these are kept up to date with the current testing requirements.
Many communities in NS have put in place Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Programs to safeguard their water systems from water flowing backwards into the public water system, which presents a risk of contamination, as well as a potential risk to your property’s water system. This safeguard is achieved through the installation of backflow preventers.
CCC Programs are generally supported by water use bylaws, and/or utility regulations mandating that backflow prevention devices are installed and maintained to prevent backflow of potentially hazardous substances into the water supply. Programs typically monitor the installation, maintenance, and field testing of backflow preventers within a distribution system. CCC Programs are an important part of a multi-barrier approach to protecting safe drinking water.
The Town’s Water Utility is partnering with BSI Online to help us launch our new CCC Program. BSI Online will be maintaining an organized database of water customers with backflow preventers and ensuring these are kept up to date with the current testing requirements.
Cross-Connection Control Q&A
what is backflow?
Typically, water will flow from the public water supply to the consumer’s plumbing distribution system. Backflow is the undesirable reversal of this flow of water and undesirable substances from the non-potable source to the potable source.
Potable Water = Drinking Water 💧
Potable Water = Drinking Water 💧
How does backflow happen?
There are two types of backflow: backpressure and backsiphonage
- Backpressure: created when the pressure within the customer’s system becomes greater than the water supply pressure. Elevated tanks, heating systems and booster pumps are some of the main causes of backpressure.
- Backsiphonage: created when there is a negative or reduced pressure in the water supply main. Water main breaks or hydrant flushing are two of the main causes of backsiphonage.
What is cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any actual or potential connection between the public or consumer’s potable water system and any non-potable source or substance that presents a hazard to the quality of the public or consumer’s potable water system. Therefore, cross-connection control is the management or “control” of these cross-connections to protect public safety by preventing backflow incidents within the public or water consumer’s potable water system.
What is a backflow preventer?
A backflow preventer is a device or assembly that is a means to prevent backflow. This device provides a physical barrier to backflow while protecting potable water supplies from contamination, it allows water to flow in one direction but never in the opposite direction.
what is an anti-siphon device?
Anti-siphon devices are essentially one-way valves designed to stop the flow of potentially contaminated water back into the drinkable (potable) water supply. Anti-siphoning capabilities are required by code on certain plumbing devices, such as exterior faucets (sill-cocks) or utility sink faucets.
is backflow prevention part of the national plumbing code of canada?
YES!
See Section 2.6. Potable Water System subsection 2. Protection from Contamination
See Section 2.6. Potable Water System subsection 2. Protection from Contamination
how is a backflow assembly tested?
A qualified professional in your jurisdiction will utilize a backflow preventer test kit. The backflow preventer test kit is a compact portable device that measures differential pressure and is used for all testing of backflow prevention assemblies (DCVA, RP, PVB and SVB types). Depending on the model, test kits come equipped with either 3 or 5 soft seated needle valves. Equipped with a full-face scale, the kit can measure a range of 0-15 psid (psi differential). Test kits are equipped with three color-coded service hoses with inline filters for connecting the test kit to the backflow prevention assembly.
Manufacturers of backflow assemblies and most regulating authorities require annual testing to ensure the assembly is functioning properly. Backflow assemblies are mechanical devices. Just like car maintenance with regular oil changes, a backflow assembly must be checked to ensure it functions properly.
Manufacturers of backflow assemblies and most regulating authorities require annual testing to ensure the assembly is functioning properly. Backflow assemblies are mechanical devices. Just like car maintenance with regular oil changes, a backflow assembly must be checked to ensure it functions properly.
what happens if the backflow assembly fails a test, do they need to be repaired?
Yes! If a backflow assembly fails the test and does not meet state standards per device type, the assembly must be repaired. The water purveyor determines the time required to have the repairs made. After repair, the assembly must be re-tested to ensure proper functionality.
who has responsibility for an approved and effective cross-connection control program?
EVERYONE!
The water provider, local plumbing tradespersons, water consumers and all individuals performing backflow prevention assembly installation, testing and repairs have some level of responsibility for ensuring an effective, efficient cross-connection control program. The individuals performing backflow prevention assembly installation, testing and repairs are responsible for following all codes and regulations as outlined by the state and local cross-connection control program. The local plumbing tradesperson is responsible for implementing and enforcing the local plumbing codes. The water consumer is responsible for preventing unprotected cross-connections and maintaining protected cross-connections within the water consumer’s facility.
The water provider, local plumbing tradespersons, water consumers and all individuals performing backflow prevention assembly installation, testing and repairs have some level of responsibility for ensuring an effective, efficient cross-connection control program. The individuals performing backflow prevention assembly installation, testing and repairs are responsible for following all codes and regulations as outlined by the state and local cross-connection control program. The local plumbing tradesperson is responsible for implementing and enforcing the local plumbing codes. The water consumer is responsible for preventing unprotected cross-connections and maintaining protected cross-connections within the water consumer’s facility.
To learn more about CCC Programs, visit backflow.com/backflow-academy
For a list of Certified Backflow Testers recognized by BSI, click here.
For a list of Certified Backflow Testers recognized by BSI, click here.
Request New Connection
Call Town Hall to make arrangements for a new connection or a temporary service during construction 902-624-8327
Liability of Utility - Mahone Bay Water Utility Regulations
The Utility shall not be deemed to guarantee an uninterrupted supply or a sufficient uniform pressure and shall not be liable for any damage or injury caused or done by reason of the interruption of supply, variation of pressure or on account of the turning off or turning on of the water for any purpose.
Facilities/Services
SOURCE WATER The 4.05 km2 Oakland Lake Watershed is designated as a protected water area under provincial law. In 2019 the Town of Mahone Bay withdrew an average of 611,674 Litres per day from the lake to supply residents.
WATER TREATMENT
Mahone Bay operates a Class II water treatment facility which treats water pumped 3 km from Oakland Lake with filtration, UV light and chlorine.
Certified staff conduct continuous monitoring and testing for TC & E.coli, Alkalinity, Hardness, Iron, Aluminum, TTHM, HAA, Lead and other substances.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
The Town’s wastewater treatment facility consists of headworks, lagoon basins and a weir chamber; it has a hydraulic retention time of 25 days. Treated effluent is discharged into the harbour near the Town limit with Maders Cove.
In 2019 the Town of Mahone Bay discharged an average of 680,071 Litres per day of treated effluent into Mahone Bay Harbour.
Certified staff conduct continuous monitoring and testing of effluent for CBOD5, TSS, E.coli, pH, and total chlorine residual.
Environmental Reports
Wastewater Report
Wastewater Treatment Report
Withdrawal Report
Residential Water Rates
2024 (starting April 1st) base charge of $79.72 bi-monthly, plus $15.80 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2023 (starting April 1st) base charge of $79.72 bi-monthly, plus $15.80 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2022 (starting April 1st) base charge of $79.72 bi-monthly, plus $15.80 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2021 (starting April 1st) base charge of $79.72 bi-monthly, plus $15.80 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2020 (starting April 1st) base charge of $77.57 bi-monthly plus $15.26 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2019 (starting November 1st) base charge of $73.14 bi-monthly plus $14.08 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2018 base charge of $67.46 bi-monthly plus $12.91 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2017 base charge of $67.46 bi-monthly plus $12.91 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2016 (starting April 1st) base charge of $67.46 bi-monthly plus $12.91 per 1,000 gallons of usage
Water Utility Documents
2019 Water Rate Study
2019 Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board Order Including Rules and Regulations
Learn more about how to get notifications via CodeRED.
What to do before, during, and after a water shut-off
Call Town Hall to make arrangements for a new connection or a temporary service during construction 902-624-8327
Liability of Utility - Mahone Bay Water Utility Regulations
The Utility shall not be deemed to guarantee an uninterrupted supply or a sufficient uniform pressure and shall not be liable for any damage or injury caused or done by reason of the interruption of supply, variation of pressure or on account of the turning off or turning on of the water for any purpose.
Facilities/Services
SOURCE WATER The 4.05 km2 Oakland Lake Watershed is designated as a protected water area under provincial law. In 2019 the Town of Mahone Bay withdrew an average of 611,674 Litres per day from the lake to supply residents.
WATER TREATMENT
Mahone Bay operates a Class II water treatment facility which treats water pumped 3 km from Oakland Lake with filtration, UV light and chlorine.
Certified staff conduct continuous monitoring and testing for TC & E.coli, Alkalinity, Hardness, Iron, Aluminum, TTHM, HAA, Lead and other substances.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
The Town’s wastewater treatment facility consists of headworks, lagoon basins and a weir chamber; it has a hydraulic retention time of 25 days. Treated effluent is discharged into the harbour near the Town limit with Maders Cove.
In 2019 the Town of Mahone Bay discharged an average of 680,071 Litres per day of treated effluent into Mahone Bay Harbour.
Certified staff conduct continuous monitoring and testing of effluent for CBOD5, TSS, E.coli, pH, and total chlorine residual.
Environmental Reports
Wastewater Report
Wastewater Treatment Report
Withdrawal Report
Residential Water Rates
2024 (starting April 1st) base charge of $79.72 bi-monthly, plus $15.80 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2023 (starting April 1st) base charge of $79.72 bi-monthly, plus $15.80 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2022 (starting April 1st) base charge of $79.72 bi-monthly, plus $15.80 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2021 (starting April 1st) base charge of $79.72 bi-monthly, plus $15.80 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2020 (starting April 1st) base charge of $77.57 bi-monthly plus $15.26 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2019 (starting November 1st) base charge of $73.14 bi-monthly plus $14.08 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2018 base charge of $67.46 bi-monthly plus $12.91 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2017 base charge of $67.46 bi-monthly plus $12.91 per 1,000 gallons of usage
2016 (starting April 1st) base charge of $67.46 bi-monthly plus $12.91 per 1,000 gallons of usage
Water Utility Documents
2019 Water Rate Study
2019 Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board Order Including Rules and Regulations
Learn more about how to get notifications via CodeRED.
What to do before, during, and after a water shut-off