Level I Low Water Advisory for the South Nation River Watershed
South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) Water Response Team voted to reinstate the Level 1 Low Water Advisory across the South Nation River watershed on September 9th, 2021, due to sporadic rainfall and low river flows.
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.
Low water conditions are determined based on precipitation and stream flow indicators. August rainfall and river flows across SNC’s watershed are currently well below average.
Created under the Ontario Low Water Response program, the Water Response Team consists of local representatives from provincial and municipal governments, agriculture, and other special interest groups.
Low water conditions are determined by the Water Response Team based on data collected from precipitation and stream gauges across the watershed.
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 indicates minor supply issues may be apparent and conservation and non-essential restriction is adopted, and a Level 3 indicates the failure of water supply to meet demand.
SNC will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide updates to the Water Response Team, municipal partners and residents 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.