Ontario Low Water Response
Program Information
 In recent years eastern Ontario has been experiencing low precipitation events and higher temperatures. These weather conditions cause lower surface water levels and dryer soil conditions. As these weather conditions continue and water demand increases, we will continue to experience an increase in low water patterns.
The Ontario Low Water Response plan was prepared by the provincial government to deal with low water conditions in Ontario to ensure provincial preparedness, assist in coordination and support local response in an event of a drought.
To determine the presence and severity of a low water event, we evaluate various indicators such as precipitation and stream flow in our watershed.
Visit Watershed Conditions for the most recent water levels, flows, and monthly total precipitation throughout the South Nation River Watershed.
Precipitation is an important and convenient indicator to use. By reviewing the trends in precipitation we can determine if an impending water shortage is immanent. After reviewing all the necessary information, and if a low water condition is determined, the appropriate low water condition is declared.
Gauging Colour Table
Below are the 3 Low Water Conditions and their descriptions:
|
Gauge |
Level |
Condition |
Response |
Precipitation Indicator |
Streamflow Indicator |
 |
Normal
|
Generally indicates that a water supply problem is not of concern
|
N/A
|
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Level I |
Potential for water supply problems |
Voluntary Conservation
Target: 10% water-use reduction
|
<80% of average |
Spring: Monthly flow < 100% LASMF
Other Times: Monthly flow <70% of LASMF
|
 |
Level II |
Minor water supply problem; potential for major supply problem |
Conservation and Restrictions on Non-Essential Use
Target: An additional 10% water-use reduction
|
<60% of average |
Spring: Monthly flow < 70% LASMF
Other Times: Monthly flow <50% of LASMF
|
 |
Level III |
Supply no longer meets demand; social, economical, and environmental impacts |
Conservation, Restriction, Regulation
Target: Reduce/manage water demands to the maximum extent
|
<40% of average |
Spring: Monthly flow < 50% LASMF
Other Times: Monthly flow <30% of LASMF
|
Water Response Team
A watershed-based water response team (WRT) has been created to coordinate local activities and contain members from the following sectors:
-
Agriculture
-
Rural private industry
-
Business
-
Recreation
-
Municipal government
-
Provincial government
The WRT identifies the actions required to manage the response to drought or low water conditions and carries them out. These actions will maximize water supply, reduce demand or do both.
 
These two pictures have been taken at the Spencerville Dam on August and October 2006 respectively. The first picture shows a low water event that took place during the summer 2006. Normal levels are shown in the second picture.
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