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SOUTH NATION CONSERVATION DECLARES LEVEL I LOW WATER CONDITION

Submitted by K Smith on Fri, 04/06/2021 - 3:25pm
04-Jun-2021 04-Jun-2021

Despite the rain received this week, South Nation Conservation (SNC) has issued a Level I Low Water Condition for its entire watershed in Eastern Ontario. 

Due to a drier than usual spring and the lack of precipitation, conditions in the South Nation River Watershed now meet the threshold for a Level I Low Water status under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

Low Water Conditions are determined based on precipitation and stream flow indicators.

Stream flows within SNC’s watershed are below average for this time of year. However, the lack of precipitation is the leading factor in the current low water status. Records indicate that precipitation over the past three months was at least below 80% normal.

While in Level I status, SNC asks residents and businesses to reduce their water consumption by 10% to help mitigate the impacts of low water conditions. Water consumption can be reduced by limiting non-essential uses and with the following water conservation practices:

  1. Repair all leaks around the home.
  2. If you must water your lawn, early morning or late evening watering
    reduces evaporation.
  3. Use a pail of soapy water to wash your car and rinse it off quickly with a hose.
  4. Water plants with water collected in a rain barrel.
  1. If you must run the tap, save the excess water for watering plants.

Of the three levels of Low Water Conditions, a Level I indicates that there is the potential of a water supply problem should current precipitation and stream flow trends persist. 

A Level II condition indicates minor supply issues may be apparent and conservation and non-essential restriction is adopted, and a Level III condition indicates the failure of the 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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