Cataraqui Conservation and the Low Water Response Team has confirmed a Level 1 Low Water Condition today for the area extending from Napanee to Brockville and north to Newboro. The announcement is a downgrade from the Level 2 condition announced last month, driven by increased streamflows and groundwater levels.
"The Cataraqui Region received 66 mm of precipitation during November, which is considered normal for the month," noted Nick Sterling, Watershed Conservation Technician. "Having now received normal amount of precipitation for two consecutive months, October and November, we are seeing stream flows and groundwater levels across the watershed rebound to within their normal ranges for this time of year."
The amount of precipitation received over the last three months and eighteen months are also compared to historical normals. Both of these extended timeframes indicate that the Cataraqui watershed is between 60 to 80% of normal. There is still a long-term precipitation deficit resulting in the Level 1 declaration. "Sustained normal precipitation will be required to bring the region out of a low water condition, and the snow we have seen so far in December is a good start," remarked David Ellingwood, General Manager.
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' suggests a potentially serious water supply problem and a Level 3 'Severe' indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand. Low water conditions are evaluated by Cataraqui Conservation and the Cataraqui Region Low Water Response Team as part of the Ontario Low Water Response Program.
Residents on groundwater systems or that draw from inland lakes or streams are asked to voluntarily conserve water by following water conservation practices:
- Reduce non-essential water uses.
- Repair leaky plumbing or fixtures to help curtail water wastage.
If a water well supply becomes low or dry, well owners are encouraged to review the Ontario Government's "Managing you well in times of drought" publication. and contact a local licensed water well contractor 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.
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.