Public Works
Question: How do I report a street light out?
Answer: You can request a street light repair at Nova Scotia Power Inc. or call 1-800-428-6230.
Question: How do I report a water main leak?
Answer: You can report a water main leak 24 hours a day by contacting Richmond County Public Works.
- 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (business hours): (902) 226-2400, (902) 226-3989, (902) 226-3988
- After hours and weekends: (902) 226-3988
Question: I have a sewer pipe blockage and/or backup in my home, what should I do?
Answer: If you have a sewer pipe blockage and/or backup in your home you should contact a plumbing contractor. A plumbing contractor will investigate to determine the cause of the problem and take corrective action. A plumbing contractor will also be able to determine if the pipe blockage is in the section of pipe maintained by the homeowner or the Municipality. Check the yellow pages for a list of plumbing contractors.
Question: I see the red light on top of a sewage pumping station is on, what should I do?
Answer: If you see that a red light on top of a sewage pumping station is on, you should immediately contact Richmond County Public Works. You can contact us 24 hours a day using the following contact information:
- 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (business hours): (902) 226-2400, (902) 226-3989, (902) 226-3988
- After hours and weekends: (902) 226-3988
Question: I am experiencing a period of discoloured water, what should I do?
Answer: If you are experiencing a period of water discoloration you should first try to open your water fixtures for a few minutes to flush your water service and plumbing pipes. Most of the time a period of water discoloration is short-lived and the problem will correct itself. Occasionally open fire hydrants can cause some rust and scale products, which normally adhere to the inside of the water mains, to break away. This sediment disturbance may cause water to appear cloudy or dirty. Water main repair or construction can also cause this temporary inconvenience. If this condition occurs in your system, allow the cold-water tap to run until the water clears. If you are experiencing a prolonged period of discoloured water you can contact Richmond County Public Works 24 hours a day using the following contact information:
- 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (business hours): (902) 226-2400, (902) 226-3989, (902) 226-3988
- After hours and weekends: (902) 226-3988
Question: How do I apply for a water system connection and/or a sewer system connection?
Answer: Water and sewer system service connection applications are available at the Municipal Administration Building in Arichat between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. The pdf application form (35 KB) can also be downloaded. The deadline for water and sewer service connection applications is typically the last business day of September. All water and sewer service connection applications must be approved by the Municipal Engineer prior to installation by Public Works field staff. If approved by the Municipal Engineer there is a $400.00 charge for a sewer system connection. Water system connections, if approved, are at a charge of $2,000 to the applicant.
Question: Why does my water have a chlorine taste or smell? What can I do to remove it?
Answer: Chlorine is the disinfecting agent used by most public water systems to kill bacteria during the water treatment process. A small amount is left in the water right up to your tap to inhibit microbial growth in the piping. To remove the chlorine taste or smell, fill a clean pitcher or container with cold tap water and leave it uncovered overnight in the refrigerator. The chlorine content will dissipate.
Question: Is my water safe to drink?
Answer: Yes. The Municipality of the County of Richmond Water Utility must adhere to strict guidelines and standards for safe drinking water. Water Utility staff monitors the water treatment and distribution systems on a daily basis, and submit weekly samples to a third-party laboratory for microbial and bacteriological testing. Information regarding the Nova Scotia drinking water standards is available at Nova Scotia Environment.
Question: How do I arrange to have my water service turned off or on?
Answer: If you need to have your water service connection turned off or on you can contact Richmond County Public Works between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday at (902) 226-2400. If it is an emergency situation you can contact a staff person 24 hours a day by calling (902) 226-3988.