Current Watershed Conditions

South Nation Conservation works with its partner municipalities along the South Nation, St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers to provide advanced notice of flooding and low water conditions through the provincial Flood Forecasting and Warning and Low Water Response programs.

MAPPED ROAD CLOSURES, FLOODED AREAS AND SANDBAG LOCATIONS

VIEW WATER LEVELS IN SOUTH NATION WATERSHED

Current Watershed Conditions, Flood, and Drought Messages:

August 26, 2025

Low Water Advisory - Level 3

South Nation Conservation’s Water Response Team has declared a Level 3 (Severe) Low Water Advisory for the South Nation Conservation Jurisdiction.

Level 3 conditions indicate that water supply no longer meets demand in certain regions and ongoing drought conditions are putting increased pressure on surface and groundwater supplies. Under this advisory, all water users are asked to reduce water use and suspend non-essential water uses until natural supplies begin to recover.

Current Conditions:
Rainfall across the jurisdiction has been well below normal. In a typical 30-day period, the area receives 80 to 90 mm of rain during summer months. Recently, only 15 to 17 mm has been recorded, which is less than 20% of the usual amount. Low rainfall has contributed to reduced stream flows in the South Nation River Watershed, with many headwater tributaries going completely dry.

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s short-term forecast indicates mostly seasonal temperatures with minor rainfall amounts of 8 to 16 mm possible on Thursday. This amount will not be enough to replenish water supply.

Recommended Actions:
All water users, including municipalities, residents, businesses, and farmers, are being asked to reduce water use, including the suspension of all outdoor non-essential water use.

If you hold a Permit to Take Water, reduce your water takings as much as possible. During low flow conditions, surface water takings can significantly impact water availability.

Residents should check their municipality’s website for current water use restrictions and fire bans.

Residents on Private Wells:
If you use a private groundwater well, please use water carefully to help protect the underground water supply (aquifer) your well depends on.

If you are having problems with your well water supply, contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Wells Help Desk: ontario.ca/wells-your-property.
Never put water down a well—this can damage the well and contaminate groundwater.
Contact licensed contractors to complete work on wells:
ontario.ca/licenced-well-contractors.
Bulk water haulage services provide water and storage tank rentals.

Residents serviced by the Ottawa River and St. Lawrence River are not subject to the same
water supply pressures and do not need to suspend outdoor water uses. However, conservation measures are still strongly encouraged to reduce overall demand.

Duration: This Level 3 Low Water Advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Next Steps:
South Nation Conservation will continue to monitor rainfall, stream flows, and water levels across the region. Updates will be shared as conditions change.

South Nation Conservation Contact:
Kat Watson, Coordinator, Early Warning Systems and Watershed Plans
kwatson@nation.on.ca | 1-877-984-2948

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