August 07, 2025 - Due to the lower-than-normal amount of rainfall for the month of July, Cataraqui Conservation has confirmed a Level 1 Low Water Condition for the Cataraqui Region extending from Napanee in the west to Brockville in the east and north to Newboro, effective today.
“July was very dry; the region received, on average, only 23 per cent of the precipitation it would normally get. As well, all inland streams which are monitored by Cataraqui Conservation and our partners are flowing below the average flow rate for this time of year and many have triggered low water thresholds,” explained Cataraqui Conservation’s Water Resources Technologist Mallory Wright.
“If these conditions persist without an extended period of significant rainfall, it is likely that the Level 1 scenario will remain in place for the time being. There is no sign of relief in the current forecast which may worsen conditions throughout the month of August meaning it is possible that the situation will be upgraded to a Level 2 Low Water Condition at the beginning of September.”
Low water conditions are based upon precipitation and stream flow indicators. A Level 1 Low Water Condition is determined by Cataraqui Conservation and the Cataraqui Region Low Water Response Team as part of the Ontario Low Water Response Program.
A Level 1 Low Water Condition is the first of three levels and is the first indication of a potential water supply problem. A Level 2 ‘Moderate’ condition suggests a potentially serious water supply problem and a Level 3 ‘Severe’ condition indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand.
Residents on groundwater systems or who draw from inland lakes or streams are asked to voluntarily conserve water by following water conservation practices:
- Reduce non-essential water uses.
- Limit outside watering of plants and lawns. If you must water your lawn, early morning or later evening watering reduces evaporation.
- Note that lawns naturally become dormant during times of low water and will recover quickly. Lawns that have turned brown from the drought are not ‘dead,’ the grass has just gone dormant from lack of water. When rainfall returns, the grass will come out of dormancy and perk back up.
- Limit washing vehicles, driveways, and sidewalks. Use a pail of soapy water to wash your car and rinse off quickly with a hose.
- Repair leaky plumbing or fixtures to help curtail water wastage.
Cataraqui Conservation is urging boaters to exercise caution when out on lakes as low water conditions may expose shoals or other obstructions not visible during normal conditions.
If a water well supply becomes low or dry, well owners are encouraged to review the Ontario Government’s “Managing your well in times of drought publication (https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage), and contact a local licensed water well contractor (https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors) to assess the well and provide recommended solutions.
Municipalities may invoke water use bylaws and residents should find out what bylaws are in effect in their municipalities regarding water use as well as outdoor fires.
To help Cataraqui Conservation staff track the spread and seriousness of low water impacts on the region, we are asking for help from the public in collecting this information. If residents have a low water concern, please let us know by filling in this quick online form:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/7955b90fe7814d0bbef6f9b870ec6da9
Cataraqui Conservation will continue to monitor water levels and will provide updates as conditions change.