Level 1 Low Water Advisory: Mild Drought

In response to increased rainfall near the end of August and through September, the Ganaraska Region watershed has moved to a Level 1 Low Water Condition from a Level 2.

The Ganaraska Region experienced abnormally dry conditions over the summer due to a significant lack of rainfall, previously leading to the declaration of a Level 2 Low Water Advisory. Soil moisture was severely depleted, impacting crop productivity and causing higher demand for water extraction from surface and groundwater sources. The watersheds started to receive more rainfall towards the end of August and through September, which has raised the three-month average rainfall totals to 66% of the seasonal norm.

This improvement is good news for aquatic ecosystems; however, more rainfall is still needed to restore soil moisture levels, add runoff to streams and recharge groundwater aquifers. The added rainfall is enough to downgrade from Level 2 to a Level 1 Low Water condition.

Based on provincial guidelines, local watersheds have entered into a level 1 low water condition because precipitation has fallen below 80% of normal levels. The affected major watersheds are Cobourg Creek, Gages Creek, Ganaraska River, Port Britain Creek, Graham Creek, Wilmot Creek, and other numerous smaller tributaries of Rice Lake and Lake Ontario. More consistent rainfall is needed at this point to prevent longer term water supply shortages in streams and groundwater resources.

The GRCA encourages water users to be aware of water consumption rates in an effort to reduce water use by 10%. These measures will help to avoid further water shortages in the coming months and prevent negative impacts on aquatic life should below normal rainfall amounts continue.

To reduce water use by 10%, the GRCA is recommending that residents and businesses:

• Adhere to municipal watering restrictions that may apply.
• Reduce non-essential water use (e.g., watering lawns, washing vehicles)
• Make use of water storage (e.g., rainwater collection).
• Water gardens at night or early morning to encourage soaking in.
• Make surface water withdrawals from larger sources (e.g., Lake Ontario/municipal water intake) and minimize or avoid taking from watercourses.