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Groundwater research among projects to be funded by Nova Scotia government

Cape Breton – New provincial funding will support energy efficiency and groundwater research at two Cape Breton community organizations and for people with wells.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman has announced $1.3 million for three projects:

• energy efficiency upgrades for the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation in Sydney

• heat pumps and removal of oil heating for Cape Breton Community Housing Association homes

• research in Cape Breton Regional Municipality and other communities on the impact of climate change on groundwater.

The projects are the first to be funded through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund.

“Communities are the first responders on climate change and have a wealth of knowledge about what they need to do to adapt to, and mitigate the impacts of, climate change,” Halman said. “I am pleased to announce this funding which is empowering communities to lead the action that is needed to tackle climate change head-on and reduce carbon emissions. In fact, community action and leadership is absolutely critical in ensuring we have a green, sustainable future.”

The Centre for Water Resource Studies at Dalhousie University, in partnership with Rural Water Watch, is receiving $343,000 to do research on how climate change will impact groundwater that enters wells in rural communities. They will also develop adaptation plans. Climate change impacts on groundwater could include sea-level rise that results in salt water in wells near the coast and droughts that can dry up wells. The centre’s work will focus on several communities, including Cape Breton Regional Municipality. About 50 per cent of Nova Scotians depend on groundwater for their water.