As drought conditions persist across rural Nova Scotia, some residents are facing a tough choice — endure months without running water or spend tens of thousands on a drilled well.

When their 200-year-old dug well ran dry for the first time, Nancy Grove and Peter Gale decided they could no longer wait for rain. The couple, who live near the Bay of Fundy, relied for weeks on water pickups from a community centre and help from a neighbour who shared their well through a hose.

“There’s a certain sadness to retire the old well,” said Grove, a retired nurse. “It’s been great for so many years, but we had no choice.”

Earlier this month, the couple invested nearly $20,000 in a new 91-metre-deep drilled well — a financial strain, but one they hope will protect them from future droughts.

According to Ian Spooner, hydrologist at Acadia University, the shift toward drilled wells is becoming more common, but he urges homeowners to weigh their options carefully.

“Drilled wells are more reliable, but not always the right first step,” he said. “People should consider cost, property geology, and alternatives before drilling.”

Spooner warned that the drought could persist through the winter, delaying recovery of the water table until spring. Instead of drilling immediately, he advises exploring temporary solutions like drawing water from nearby ponds or springs, purchasing hauled water, or using community wells.

Some municipalities, he added, may offer loan programs to help cover the steep costs of new wells.

Before drilling, Spooner recommends talking to neighbours about their wells’ depth, yield, and water quality, and consulting professionals who can assess local geology.

“The best way to understand your risk is to learn from those around you,” he said. “Geology varies widely — drill in the wrong spot, and you might find nothing.”

The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables says areas with sand and gravel deposits typically provide better groundwater, while harder mineral formations may hinder drilling or contaminate water.

Despite the challenges, Spooner acknowledges that for some, a drilled well may be the only path to water security.

“Many dug wells will recover in time,” he said. “But if one decides to drill, they’re investing in peace of mind.”

With no guarantee of rainfall soon, more Nova Scotians are likely to make that same difficult decision.

Residents in Leaside’s Randolph Road area say their peaceful street has been overrun by rats — and they blame a neighbour who continues to feed wildlife despite city warnings.

Homeowner Jennifer King says the infestation became unbearable earlier this year. She spent $3,000 on extermination after rats invaded her home’s walls and attic.

“It’s disgusting. You could hear them in the walls,” said King, who has lived on the street for 25 years.

Toronto City Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, who represents the area, confirmed that a woman on the street was charged several months ago under the city’s wildlife-feeding bylaw. The same property is also under a property standards investigation due to garbage buildup in the yard.

Toronto amended its animal bylaw in 2023, prohibiting the feeding of backyard wildlife — except for songbirds. Since then, city data shows 3,787 complaints in 2023 and 3,897 in 2024, reflecting widespread frustration among residents.

City officials say feeding wildlife, even unintentionally, can create serious rodent problems.

“When food is left out, it attracts rodents and pests that are difficult to control,” the city’s statement read.

King said she first noticed rat tracks in the snow last January, and by spring, the rodents — “some as big as possums” — were roaming freely through yards.

“At night in the bedroom I could hear them scratching in the ceiling,” she said.

Despite repeated pleas and a signed letter from a dozen neighbours, the alleged feeding has continued. King’s friend Janet Bolton witnessed the extent of the infestation firsthand.

“I saw 30 rats in about 15 minutes,” Bolton recalled.

Under Toronto’s bylaw, feeding wildlife can result in fines up to $100,000. The property standards case is ongoing, and the bylaw charge is set for court in November.

Coun. Chernos Lin urged residents to keep reporting violations to 311 and communicate early to prevent neighbourhood disputes from escalating.

“If you’re having challenges in your neighbourhood, report it. The city can take action — that’s why we’re here,” she said.

As winter approaches, residents hope the cold will drive the rats back underground — but King fears they’ll return in full force come spring.

“I was seriously thinking about moving,” she admitted. “You just feel helpless when you can’t stop it.”