Level II Low Water Condition continues

August 12, 2020 – Persistent dry weather across the Kawartha Conservation watershed has resulted in an ongoing Level II Low Water declaration for the entire area.

On Wednesday morning, August 12, the Kawartha Low Water Response Team met to receive an update on the current situation and three month average, which has resulted in the continued low water warning.

“We have seen precipitation in parts of our watershed, but not enough to move us back into a Level I condition at this point,” explained Kawartha Conservation Watershed Resources Technician Rob Stavinga. “We are seeing some very favourable conditions early in August, but based on the three-month average, we are still below where we need to be.”

For the three months, from May to the end of July, Indian Point Provincial park was at 69 per cent of its three-month average with 144.1mm of rain, compared to the average of 270.6 mm. Port Perry was at 43 per cent or 114.2mm of precipitation compared to their historical average of 266.9mm. Sonya/Sundance was at 48 per cent or 130.9 mm.

Ken Reid Conservation Area recorded 164mm of precipitation over the three months, 69 per cent of their historical average of 237.3mm.

“This summer we have seen just how localized the rainfall can be and how it is having a big impact across our entire watershed,” said Stavinga.

In the first 7 days of August, Indian Point Provincial Park received 121 per cent of its average monthly total with 94.5mm of rain falling, while Emily Provincial Park received 31 per cent of it’s monthly average with 34.6mm of rainfall.

“While we continue to monitor the often extreme and varied weather we have been receiving this year, it is important for local residents, businesses and property owners to continue to be cautious with their non-essential water usage,” said Kawartha Conservation Director, Integrated Watershed Management, Emma Collyer. “A Level 2 Low Water Condition indicates a potentially serious water supply problem. This level often means minor water supply issues are encountered and there is the potential for major supply problems.”

The Kawartha Low Water Response Team is continuing to ask residents and businesses in the region to reduce non-essential water usage by 20 per cent until the supply is replenished. People on private wells should be especially careful of their water usage.

Non-essential water use includes the outside watering of plants and lawns and washing your cars and driveways. Those with permits to take water are also urged to reduce their current usage by 20 per cent.

To learn more, visit our Low Water and Drought page.