Level 1 Low Water Advisory Terminated for South Nation River Watershed
On November 2nd, 2021, South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) Water Response Team voted to terminate the Level 1 Low Water Advisory across the South Nation River Watershed.
A Level 1 Low Water Condition was initially declared on June 4th, 2021, due to a drier than usual spring, persistent hot temperatures, and lack of precipitation throughout the months of May and June. Above average rain received throughout the month of July aided in restoring river flows and precipitation amounts to normal conditions, supporting the Water Response Team’s action to lift the Level 1 Low Water Advisory on August 4th, 2021. However, due to sporadic rainfall and low river flows, the Water Response Team voted to reinstate the Level 1 Low Water Advisory across the South Nation Watershed on September 9, 2021.
Rainfall received throughout the month of October aided in raising water levels in groundwater supplies and rivers, restoring all precipitation and flow indicators to normal conditions.
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.
For more information, please contact Katherine Watson or Sandra Mancini at 1-877-984-2948 or info@nation.on.ca.
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