Low Water Response

Status: Level 1

Watershed conditions have improved

Thursday, November 10, 2016 (9:00 AM)

Status: Level 1

The local watershed area has received enough rain over the past few months to increase the moving average to over 80% of normal for 3 of 4 gauges in the area. Two of three lakes in North Glengarry are now back into the normal operating range, and the larger lake, Loch Garry is trending back towards it's normal water level. Flows in the Raisin River are also currently in the normal range for this time of year. Based on this information, the local watershed response team has decided to move to the less severe Level 1 low water condition.

This condition suggests voluntary water conservation measures of 10%. The RRCA is still encouraging anyone who has had trouble with their own private drinking water well to complete our short online survey here.

We are expecting that the watershed will return to normal conditions next month.

 

Water Conservation Tips

•    Repair any leaks in your home (e.g. taps and toilets)
•    Reduce non-essential water usage such as lawn watering or car washing
•    Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes
•    Install a low consumption showerhead
•    For farmers: monitor your irrigation systems for leaks, and consider irrigating closer to the evening to reduce evaporation loss

 

About Low Water Response and the RRCA

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) manages water use during a drought. Ontario’s Low Water Response Program ensures provincial and local authorities are prepared in the event of low water conditions. The Raisin Region Conservation Authority assists the ministry by assessing local watershed conditions and notifying residents.

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority monitors precipitation and water levels throughout Cornwall; South Glengarry; and large portions of North Glengarry and South Stormont.

About Low Water Notices

Normal
Flows are in the normal range and precipitation accumulation has been close to average. 

Level 1
Flows are less than 70 percent of their normal summer low flow and/or precipitation has been less than 80 per cent of average. Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 per cent.

Level 2
Flows are less than 50 percent of their normal summer low flow and/or precipitation has been less than 60 per cent of average. The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change will send letters to holders of Permits to Take Water to ask them to voluntarily reduce their consumption by 20 per cent.

Level 3
Flows are less than 30 percent of their normal summer low flow and/or precipitation has been less than 40 per cent of average. There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water.

In the event of a low water status of anything other than normal, the RRCA will issue a media release and advise our member municipalities. A local Water Response Team will be convened to inform the MNRF and the public.

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