On June 4, 2021, South Nation Conservation (SNC) declared a Level 1 Low Water Condition for its watershed in Eastern Ontario, including part of your Municipality, due to a drier than usual spring, persistent hot temperatures, and lack of precipitation.
Low Water Conditions are determined based on data collected from precipitation and stream gauges across the watershed. Records indicate that precipitation over the past three months was at least below 80% normal. The region is also not expected to receive a significant amount of rain over the next 10 days.
While in Level I status, SNC asks residents, businesses, and other industries to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 10% to help mitigate the impacts of low water conditions. Water consumption can be reduced by limiting non-essential uses such as washing vehicles, lawn irrigation, etc.
Of the three Levels of Low Water Conditions, a Level I indicates that there is the potential of a water supply problem should current precipitation and stream flow trends persist. A Level II condition indicates minor supply issues may be apparent and conservation and non-essential restriction is adopted, and a Level III condition indicates the failure of the water supply to meet demand.
SNC’s Water Response Team will be meeting on June 30th, 2021 to further discuss the current low water conditions and its implications. Created under the Ontario Low Water Response program, the Water Response Team consists of local representatives from provincial and municipal governments, agriculture, and other special interest groups.
SNC will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide updates to municipal partners and residents as required.