July 14, 2025 — Today, the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board opened a formal proceeding to investigate operations and maintenance at Halifax Water.

The Board is responsible for the general supervision of water utilities across Nova Scotia. It may conduct any necessary examinations and ask questions of utility operators to ensure public services are provided efficiently, effectively, and in compliance with relevant legislation.

Earlier this year, Premier Tim Houston asked the Board to "investigate Halifax Water to identify weaknesses and suggest ways to restore competence and confidence in the organization." His request followed two boil advisories that affected thousands of Halifax Water customers, and the utility’s disclosure in late 2024 that it failed to notify customers that it was not adding fluoride at water supply plants over several years. 

The Board has hired Carollo Engineers Canada Ltd. to conduct an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Audit of Halifax Water's infrastructure for drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater. The audit will include a review of the utility's operational procedures, maintenance practices, risk management, and emergency preparedness. 

Once the Audit is complete, Carollo will submit its findings and any recommendations in a report to the Board. Then, the Board will issue a formal hearing order, providing a timeline and outlining the process for the public portion of the proceeding.

Interested parties wishing to participate in the proceeding and comment on the draft Terms of Reference, which outline the audit's scope and deliverables, must send an email to board@novascotia.ca by July 24, 2025.

More information and documents related to this matter are publicly available. To access them, search "M12384" in our database HERE.

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Media inquires should be directed to:

Rebecca Brown
Communications Officer
Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board
T:    (902) 424-9282
TF:  1-833-809-0040 ext 9282
E:    rebecca.brown@novascotia.ca