December 17, 2025
RRCA Water Response Team Maintains Level 3 Low Water Condition
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority’s (RRCA) Water Response Team is maintaining the Level 3 Low Water condition first declared on October 30 for the RRCA’s jurisdiction. In some areas, water supply is currently insufficient to meet demand, with drought conditions increasing pressure on surface and groundwater sources.
Hot, dry conditions over the summer caused multiple regional impacts, such as dried-up waterways, degraded water quality from stagnant flows, and lower groundwater levels impacting private well users.
Although rainfall in October and November was closer to normal levels and eased some dry conditions, the earlier water shortfall was substantial and many residents continue to be affected. Stream flows have improved in many waterways, but some remain below seasonal norms. Groundwater recovery is slower, and impacts persist across the jurisdiction. The RRCA Water Response Team – comprised of local representatives from municipal and provincial governments and other interest-holders – decided to maintain the Level 3 condition since residents on private wells continue to experience low water problems.
The RRCA jurisdiction first entered a Low Water Level 1 condition this year on August 12, moving to Level 2 on September 18, and Level 3 on October 30. Residents and businesses are asked to continue reducing their water consumption as much as possible, whether they are connected to municipal water supplies or to a private well. Residents are encouraged to check their municipality’s website to be aware of any municipal water conservation or fire bylaws in effect.
The RRCA monitors stream flows and precipitation data at gauges strategically placed throughout its jurisdiction in the City of Cornwall and Townships of South Glengarry, North Glengarry, South Stormont, and North Stormont. The RRCA will continue to monitor stream flows and precipitation as part of the Ontario Low Water Response Program and will provide updates as conditions change. The current Level 3 Low Water condition will remain in effect until further notice. For more information visit rrca.on.ca/LowWater or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.
Water User Feedback Form
Are you being impacted by low water (i.e., is your well dry)? Please help the RRCA gauge local impacts of low water by filling out our water user feedback form.
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.
Resources for Private Well Owners
- Low Water Resources Info Sheet
- Never put water into your well – this could damage the well or contaminate groundwater
- Consider bulk water haulage services that provide water and storage tank rentals
- For more resources, go to rrca.on.ca/LowWater
For more information:
Jason Symington, Resource Specialist
(613) 938-3611 ext. 239
Jason.Symington@rrca.on.ca
Media Contact:
Vincent Pilon, Communications Specialist
(613) 938-3611 ext. 229
Vincent.Pilon@rrca.on.ca