South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) Water Response Team has terminated the Low Water Advisory across the South Nation River watershed.
Above average rain received throughout July at Environment Canada Climate Stations in Brockville, Ottawa and Cornwall helped restore the average total rain received over 3 months to 80-87 per cent of the three-month historical average. A Level I condition occurs when the three-month or 18-month total precipitation drops below 80 per cent of the historical total.
A Level 1 Low Water Condition was issued on June 4, 2021, for the South Nation River Watershed in Eastern Ontario, due to a drier than usual spring and lack of precipitation throughout the month of May. SNC’s Water Response Team met on June 30 to discuss the current drought conditions and maintained the Level 1 drought advisory.
Low water conditions are determined based on precipitation and stream flow indicators. Stream flows within SNC’s watershed were below average in June. However, the lack of precipitation in May was the leading factor in issuing a low water status through June and July.
Of the three levels of Low Water Conditions, a Level 1 indicates that there is the potential of a water supply problem should current precipitation and stream flow trends persist. A Level 2 condition indicates minor supply issues may be apparent and conservation and non-essential restriction is adopted, and a Level 3 condition indicates the failure of water supply to meet demand.
Under the Ontario Low Water Response Program, each Conservation Authority forms a Water Response Team to ensure that the public is provided with advance warning of reduced water availability, and that related decisions are made by local stakeholders, including representatives from provincial and municipal governments, agriculture, and special interest groups.
SNC will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide updates as required. To better understand local conditions; landowners, businesses, and industries are encouraged to contact SNC if they are experiencing any unusual water-related problems.
