Low Water and Droughts

Normal conditions

• Monthly precipitation amounts are above 80% of the long-term normal values
• River flows are more than 70% of their normal summer low flow

Level 1

• Monthly precipitation amounts are less than 80% of the long-term normal values and/or
• River flows are less than 70% of their normal summer low flow

Level 1 is the first sign of potential water supply problems, primarily a warning level – the key focus is conservation of water. Water users are encouraged to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10%.

Level 2

• Monthly precipitation amounts are less than 60% of the long-term normal values and/or
• River flows are less than 50% of their normal summer low flow

Level 2 indicates a serious issue is developing – the conservation of water is expanded to limit the non-essential uses.

Level 3

• Monthly precipitation amounts are less than 40% of the long-term normal values and/or
• River flows are less than 30% of their normal summer low flow

Level 3 indicates a potential for economic harm to water takers and users and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. Key focus is on regulation and enforcement by the Province.

Stay informed

• You can subscribe to receive Low Water Condition messages for Kawartha Conservation watershed.
• To see the province-wide conditions you can visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry web-page.
• Check if your municipality has a water restriction in effect.

Report

• Report your conditions on the Drought Reporting Map.

• Email us using the Subject: Drought Impacts.

Include the following details in your email:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your phone number and comments about how the drought is affecting you.

Water conservation tips – in and around your house

• Fix leaking fixtures. A tap leaking can waste over 10,000 litres per year!
• Practice water-efficient lawn care. To reduce evaporation loss, water your lawn very early in the morning. Visit our Healthy Gardens page for more information and helpful tips.
• Use a rain barrel. Check out our online store to buy one if sales are being offered. 
• Use a rain gauge to tell you when your lawn has received enough water. Approximately an inch (2.5 cm) a week, depending on your soil type, is enough.
• Plant native flower gardens. They are well suited to the climate and need little or no watering.
• Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge. This way you avoid leaving the tap running until the water gets cold.
• When waiting for tap water to get hot or cold, collect the water in a watering can for your plants.
• Using a dishwasher can be more efficient than washing dishes by hand, as long as you wait until you have a full load.
• Wash vegetables in a basin or partly filled sink – not under running water.
• When hand washing dishes in a two-sink basin, fill one with soapy water and the other with rinse water. It saves running the tap for each dish.
• Reduce your shower time – five minutes is plenty of time to get clean.
• Wash your car less frequently- especially during hot dry weather. This will also keep pollutants out of storm drains, which empty into our lakes and rivers.

Suggested actions for major water use sectors

The Suggested Actions For Major Water Use Sectors chart shows how different types of waters can reduce their water consumption at each level.

Helpful online resources: 

• Managing your water well in times of water shortage - Government of Ontario
• Dry Conditions and Low Water Resources Page - OMAFRA 
• Monthly Rainfall Data - Agricorp
• Water Conservation Tips for Inside your Home
• Water Conservation Tips for Outside your Home
• Water Conservation Tips for Farmers
• Managing your Well in times of Low Water
• H2O - Now I get it