Level 1 low water condition declared for Kawartha watershed

JUNE 7, 2021 - Kawartha Conservation has declared a Level 1 low water condition and is encouraging a voluntary 10% reduction in non-essential water use across the Kawartha Conservation watershed. This includes areas within the City of Kawartha Lakes, Scugog, Brock, the Municipality of Trent lakes, Cavan Monaghan, and Clarington.

According to the Ontario Low Water Response (OLWR) Program, a Level 1 low water condition is declared when a watershed receives only 80% or less of the normal amount of precipitation over a three-month period. Level 1 is the lowest of three levels and the first indication of potential water supply problems.

Considerably dryer than normal conditions have been observed within the Kawartha Conservation’s watershed since the start of this year. Data collected at Ken Reid Conservation Area demonstrates that precipitation received for the period of January-May has persistently been below the long-term average values, reaching its highest mark of only 90% of normal values in April. In May, the station recorded just 22% of the monthly normal amount.  As a result, precipitation for this March, April, and May registered by the Ken Reid monitoring gauge is 66.5% of the historical average of 204 mm. (Actual precipitation levels totaled 136 mm.) Furthermore, the monitoring location at Indian Point Provincial Park has reported only 50% of the historical average rainfall of 247 mm (actual precipitation was recorded at 125 mm). 

Currently, local rivers and streams are flowing at average levels and volumes for this time of year. However, should the dry conditions persist, the precipitation deficit will affect local watercourses and water bodies as precipitation runoff is an important component of both surface and ground water.

During this dry period, groundwater aquifers have not been recharged sufficiently. Since it takes longer for groundwater to reflect changes in recharge amounts, especially for deeper aquifers, there is potential for water shortages in wells and rivers later this summer.

Kawartha Conservation is asking residential, agricultural, and commercial water users, on both municipal systems and private wells, to do their part by reducing non-essential water use by 10% and to conserve water. This may include fixing leaky faucets and installing low-flow devices, and not washing your car, rinsing the driveway, or watering the lawn. Making small changes now will help avoid potential water shortages if conditions persist.

Working in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and local stakeholders representing key water-use sectors, Kawartha Conservation will be activating a Low Water Response Team, which will determine any further course of action. The Conservation Authority will continue to monitor the low water situation and will provide updated information as it becomes available.

For more information about the OLWR program and an extensive list of water conservation tips, visit http://kawarthaconservation.com/watershed/low-water or contact Iryna Shulyarenko, Hydrologist, at 705.328.2271 ext. 219 or IShulyarenko@KawarthaConservation.com.