Trenton, Nova Scotia

Public Works

Sewer System

Trenton's combined sewage system carries domestic and storm water to interceptor mains, which transmit waste to the East River Pollution Abatement Plant for treatment.

Roads

Trenton has approximately 32 km of streets, most of which are paved, curbed and guttered. During winter, our snow removal operations are second to none in this area. Current access to the Trans-Canada Highway is either through New Glasgow or via the Trenton-Abercrombie Connector to Highway 106.

Snow Removal Policy

During a snow storm, the emergency routes are plowed first for the safety and security of all Trenton residents. This route consists of Main Street, Forge Street, Park Road, Seventh Street, Strickland Avenue, Fourteenth Street, Duke Street, Maple Street, and part of Oak Street. These streets MUST be kept open for emergency vehicles. Multiple trips are required depending on the width, severity of the storm and whether it’s a major or minor route. Emergency routes require more passes while minor streets are typically opened up and later widened as the storm diminishes. Parking lots are plowed after the storm or when all streets are plowed. This is a standard policy that has been in place for many years to make snow removal in the Town more efficient. We thank all residents for their understanding and acceptance of this matter.

Removal of Portable Basketball Nets

Public Works requests the removal of all portable basketball nets from any roadway or sidewalks near your property prior to the first snowfall of winter before they freeze and cannot be easily moved. Once frozen, the nets can cause safety issues as the snow clearing equipment cannot properly clear the roads or sidewalks. Thank you for your cooperation. 

Snow Removal & Landscape Repair

During the winter season, snow removal and the safety of the Town is of the upmost importance. We know that there may be times the Town of Trenton snow removal equipment causes damage to residential landscapes. Damage  done to any landscape features during this time which was caused by Town owned equipment will be restored in the spring by the Public Works staff. If any damage from snow removal occurs, please contact the Town of Trenton office at 902-752-5311 to record the location for future repair. 

Reporting Public Works Issues

To report Public Works Emergencies (including but not limited to emergencies related to wastewater and storm water systems, water line breaks, leaking water meters, etc.), please contact: 

Public Works Superintendent
Darryl Marcott
Available for calls during daytime office hours & for afterhours emergencies.
If you don’t reach the Superintendent immediately, please leave a message with your name, location, phone number & detailed issue.
Tel: 902-752-6907

Town Administration Office
Available for calls Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) - 8:30am to 4:30pm
Tel: 902-752-5311

Water Utility

PUBLIC NOTICE - The following public notice was included with water bills mailed April 2023. This notice also includes updates that will occur effective April 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025:

• pdf Water Rate Increases Notice 2023(147 KB)

Water Utility Information

Trenton is served by a central water system supplied by several deep wells. A central treatment plant for the removal of iron and manganese was placed in operation in 1988, and a reservoir was placed in service in 1989. (Update: a new reservioir is currently under construction & will be in service in 2025).

The Town of Trenton's Water Utility supplies the Town of Trenton and the County of Pictou (Hillside) with drinking water. To maintain our approvals to withdrawal water and operate the Water Treatment Plant we must perform a variety of chemical tests issued by the Department of Environment and Labour. These tests include weekly bacteria tests from three different locations approved by the Department of Environment and Labour. Chemical analysis for each well is done yearly and treated water is tested daily. Treated water is sent away to an approved laboratory quarterly for certain tests. We also monitor the quantity of water being pumped from each well. These are all measures to protect the water supply and the quality of the water to be able to meet the Canadian Drinking Standards. It has been over ten years since a Boil Water Advisory has been issued for the Town of Trenton.

The employees and council are committed to supply a safe drinking water. To help maintain the water quality, business and homeowners' can make sure their oil tanks are up to industry standards and are not leaking. Oil from leaking tanks and vehicles can enter the ground and may make their way to a well. This could possibly make the well unusable. This also pertains to pesticides and household cleaning supplies, which should be disposed in accordance with the Department of Environment and Labour. With the help of all Trenton residents, Council and the Water Department we can ensure a healthy water supply for the Town of Trenton for many years to come.

Why do I (as a resident and taxpayer) need to pay for water that has been treated?

The Town of Trenton is committed to drinking water safety, and has been for years. The Town uses a multiple-barrier approach to water treatment and system management. The first barrier is "Keeping Clean Water Clean." This is achieved by protecting the sources from contamination.

The next main line of defense - "Making it Safe"- involves various steps to remove natural or man-made impurities. This is achieved by using adequate treatment methods to remove the impurities, including disinfection to inactivate micro-organisms, and effective operation of the treatment facility and distribution system. Chlorine is an effective disinfectant and is used to ensure confidence at the tap.

The final step in an effective multiple-barrier drinking water protection strategy is "Proving it's Safe." The Town continually monitors the water quality and takes swift, corrective action when deficiencies are identified.

What should residents know about a boil water advisory?

This is just a reminder of the procedures taken and how the customers will be notified of the boil water order. Every week the Water Department tests for the presence of bacteria from three different locations (Reservoir, Cornish's Variety and Youth Center). The samples are taken to the hospital and put in an incubator for twenty-four hours. They are then checked for the presence of bacteria. If bacteria is present the Department of Environment and Labour is notified by the hospital and they tell us to issue boil water advisory. The Town would then broadcast this advisory over the radio and also in the newspaper. We may also put notices in the mail.

The Water Utility would proceed to increase the amount of chlorine used for disinfection and flush some water mains to produce a higher chlorine residual in the distribution system. Samples would be taken each day to the hospital to be tested for bacteria. We need three days of bacteria free samples before the boil water advisory can be removed. The customers would be advised on the radio that the boil water advisory has ended.

During the boil water advisory, all water should be boiled for at least two minutes before using. This would include drinking, cooking, washing and for personal hygiene. In closing, the Water Department follows all regulations issued by the Department of Environment and Labour to ensure a safe drinking water supply for its customers.

Cloudy or Discolored Water

Have you ever turned on your cold-water faucets and experienced cloudy or discolored water? This can be caused by many factors but in most cases, it may be as simple as your service line coming into your residence being dirty. Low flow shower heads, and faucets, as well as smaller water lines supplying these fixtures are all designed to conserve water, they also result in slowing the water velocity coming through your service line. The slower velocity of the water does not allow the water to scour the pipes on a regular basis causing a buildup on the interior of the pipes. This is the same principle that results in the hydrants having to be flushed. If you are experiencing cloudy/discolored water, try flushing your service line. To complete this, turn on all “COLD WATER ONLY” faucets and flush your toilets. The more water you can move through your pipes the better. This may take 5 to 10 minutes, but should clean your service line, and improve your water quality. We recommend trying this before contacting the Town. If you continue to have a water quality issue, contact Town Hall.

Vacant Houses During Winter

The Public Works department would like to urge homeowners who have vacant homes during the winter months to request their water be turned off. Whether the house is on the real estate market or the homeowner is away for an extended period of time, certain precautions should be taken. Please ensure your water lines are drained, this will prevent the water lines from freezing and splitting causing water damage to your property. If you are planning to heat the home in your absence, your water lines should be safe from potential damage. Draining the water lines is the responsibility of the home owner.

Water Turn On / Shut Off Requests

Residents must fill out an "Application for Water" form to have water shut off / turned on. Forms can be picked up at Town Hall or found here: pdf APPLICATION FOR WATER FORM(91 KB) .

Submit forms to:

Trenton Town Hall
120 Main Street
Trenton, NS

Water Reconnection Fee - There is a $60.00 reconnection fee for water services that have been disconnected.

Reporting Water Utility Issues

To report Water Utility issues during regular business hours, please contact:

Town Administration Office
Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) - 8:30am to 4:30pm
Tel: 902-752-5311

After Hours Emergencies

To report After Hours Public Works or Water Utility emergencies (including but not limited to emergencies related to wastewater and storm water systems, water line breaks, leaking water meters, etc.), please contact: 

Public Works Superintendent
Darryl Marcott
If you don’t reach the Superintendent immediately, please leave a message with your name, location, phone number & detailed issue.
Tel: 902-752-6907

After Hours Service Fee -  Please note, there is a $200.00 service fee for after hours water utility services. After hours includes: Monday to Friday - 4:00pm to 8:00am, all Weekends & Holidays.

Emergency Services (911)

What is 911?

Seconds count in an emergency! When you have an emergency in Trenton just dial 9-1-1. You can also dial 9-1-1 from your cell phone, the call is toll free. When police, fire, or medical emergencies occur, 9-1-1 can save precious time. Your call is answered by trained emergency personnel who will provide you with the assistance.

What is an emergency?

An emergency is any situation where there are people or property at risk. Examples include fire, crimes in progress or medical emergencies.

What can you do to help 9-1-1?

Remain calm and speak clearly. Identify which emergency service you require (police, fire or ambulance) and be prepared to provide the following:

• nature of the emergency
• location of emergency
• your name, address, and telephone number

Please remain on the line as you may be required to provide additional information to emergency personnel. DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO DO SO. Remember, it is important to have your house numbers visible from the street; this will assist emergency personnel in locating you as quickly as possible.

What to teach your children about 9-1-1

Do your children know how to get help in an emergency?

• teach your children how and when to get help by using 9-1-1
• teach your children their address and telephone number
• keep this information posted by all the phones
• teach your children about the dangers of making prank calls

What are the dangers of prank calls to 9-1-1?

Prank 9-1-1 calls waste time, money, and can also be dangerous. If 9-1-1 lines are tied up due to prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get through.
Prank calls are punishable under the "Emergency 9-1-1 Act" Section 12.

What if your complaint is not an emergency?

Call your local police, fire or other emergency service provider listed in your telephone directory.

• Pictou County District RCMP Phone: (902) 902-755-4141
• Trenton Fire Department Phone: (902) 752-2993 (Non-Emergency)

Emergency Information for Storm Preparation

Helpful information to prepare for a weather event. Checklists, suggestions and more can be found at Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office.

Evacuating Pets in an Emergency Situation

Do you know what to do with your pets when disaster strikes? Here is a procedure recommended by DART, the Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia. pdf Evacuate your pet in an emergency(1.38 MB) .