With its administrative seat in Elmsdale, the district municipality occupies the eastern half of Hants County from the Minas Basin to the boundary with Halifax County, sharing this boundary with the West Hants Regional Municipality.

It was made in 1861 from the former townships of Uniacke, Rawdon, Douglas, Walton, Shubenacadie and Maitland.

The Public Works division operates two water utility distribution sites and three sewage collection and treatment systems for communities in the serviced areas adjacent to Highway 102 and along the Shubenacadie River.

The division also operates an engineered spring which draws additional water from Grand Lake to the Shubenacadie River during low water level events.

This division monitors and reviews data to ensure compliance of operating approvals.