Low Water Conditions and Drought

Drought occurs slowly as a result of lack of rain, high temperatures and increased water use.

The Ontario Low Water Response Program helps prepare the province and municipalities to respond if a drought occurs. Local municipalities, water management agencies, tourism, recreation, and agriculture sectors, provincial and federal agencies, First Nations, and Otonabee Conservation work together as the local Water Response Team.

Otonabee Conservation uses precipitation and stream flow information to identify low water conditions. The different levels of Low Water Conditions include:

Normal

Residents and business are always encouraged to conserve water. Continued wise use of water has environmental and economic benefits.

Low Water Level 1

Early indication of a potential drought.
Water users encouraged to reduce water consumption by 10%.

Low Water Level 2

Increased likelihood of drought. Potential for minor water supply issues.
Water users encouraged to reduce their water consumption by 20%.

Low Water Level 3

High likelihood of drought conditions but does not imply an emergency.
Increased potential that water supply does not meet water demand.
Water users encouraged to reduce their water consumption by 30%.

Information is available from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs about the impacts of low water on agricultural activities.

Information from the province is available about water shortages for private wells.

How to reduce the amount of water you use

Replace your toilet handle if it sticks with the water running

Check to make sure your toilet flapper isn’t leaking. Add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank but don’t flush. If the colour appears in the toilet bowl, fix the leaking flapper right away.

Install a low-flow or trickle shower head.

Don’t flush waste down the toilet if you can recycle, compost, or put it in the waste basket.

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.

Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge to keep it cold instead of running the water.

Install efficient faucets or aerators to reduce water use.

Use a bowl or the sink instead of running water when washing hands, dishes, fruits, or vegetables. You can then use the water for houseplants or in your garden.

Wash your vehicle at a car wash that recycles the water.

Sweep driveways and walkways rather than washing with water.

Cover swimming pools when not in use to reduce evaporation.

Install rain barrels to collect water for lawns and gardens.

Use native plants that need less water.

Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day and use mulch to maintain moisture

Reduce water use by changing a few habits.

Repair leaks promptly.

Retrofit fixtures to more efficient options.

250 Milroy Drive
Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
Voice: 705-745-5791
Fax: 705-745-7488
Email: otonabeeca@otonabeeconservation.com

Watershed Conditions Statement issued Tuesday September 24th
This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is issued for all watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation, except the Trent-Severn Waterway. This is a result of widespread rainfall events causing higher-than-normal water flows and levels that may be dangerous, but flooding is not expected.

Sep 24, 2024
Flood Watch Issued September 5, 2024
On Friday and into Saturday, the region will experience localized pockets of heavier rain and/or moderate to strong thunderstorms embedded in the slow-moving storm. Heavy rain, falling in a short period of time, could result in nuisance to minor flooding in flood-prone areas, and water pooling on roads and in low-lying areas.

Sep 05, 2024
FLOOD WATCH issued August 29th, 2024
This FLOOD WATCH is issued for all watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation, except the Trent-Severn Waterway. During the Labour Day weekend, rainfall and moderate to strong thunderstorms could bring flood-inducing heavy downpours to the region.

Aug 29, 2024
Water Safety Statement issued for all local watercourses August 16, 2024
This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is issued because of widespread rainfall events that may cause increased flow and water levels that can be dangerous, but flooding is not expected.

Aug 16, 2024
FLOOD WATCH - Issued August 8th, 2024
Rain is expected to start this afternoon, Thursday, August 8, 2024, and total rainfall over the next 48-hours is expected to be 40-50 mm, including periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms due to remnants of Tropical Storm Debby interacting with a low-pressure system. Rainfall amounts may be higher (50-100mm) if the storm follows a more northerly path and showers are forecast to continue from Saturday through Monday.

Aug 08, 2024